First Fridays Event At The Institute Of Culinary Education Kicks Off With "NYC Legends In The Making"

Enjoy a delicious evening with NYC’s top tastemakers while indulging in tastings of dishes and drink pairings served during the cooking demos.

The First Fridays event at the Institute of Culinary Education (ICE) features a collaborative culinary demonstration by some of NYC’s most celebrated chefs, mixologists, sommeliers, beer- and spirit-makers, and ICE’s leading educators. The evening is the perfect opportunity to learn new recipes and cooking techniques, while hanging out with some of NYC’s top tastemakers.

Coffee Cured Salmon

Presented by James Briscione, the ICE Director of Culinary Development, the Coffee Cured Salmon is seasoned with kosher salt, granulated sugar, ground coffee, and lemon zest. The dish is served with flatbread brushed with oil and dusted with Soom Soom Spice, cream cheese, shaved cucumbers and radish, and fresh dill.

Indian-Spiced Crab Cakes

Presented by Garrett Oliver, James Beard Award-winning Brewmaster of Brooklyn Brewery, the Indian-spiced crab cakes highlight sweet lump crab meat, curry, and jalapeno that are perfectly complemented by the malts and hop character of Brooklyn East India Pale Ale.

Spiced Olive Oil Cake with Labneh and Og Caramel

To end the evening on a sweet note, Lior Lev Sercarz, the master spice blender, author, and owner of La Boite, whipped up dense spiced olive oil cake with creamy, rich labneh and a drizzle of caramel.

Tuome In NYC’s Alphabet City Serves An Eclectic Menu With Asian Influences

Located in the heart of Alphabet City, Tuome offers an eclectic, contemporary American menu with Asian influences that is bound to please your palate.

Crispy Deviled Eggs with Chili Oils

The panko-crusted egg whites are deep fried to give off the ultimate crispiness, and topped with smooth, mousse-like yolk with chili oils and micro greens.

Creamy Noodles Topped with Snow Crab

The Snow Crab dish is an absolute must. The perfectly al dante curly noodles, topped with fresh snow crab, crunches, and chopped chives, are flavored with rich, creamy squash and dashi butter sauce that melts in your mouth.

Fluffy Kabocha Squash Mash with Granola

The fluffy, mashed kabocha squash has cloud-like texture. The squash is mixed in with crunchy and sweet vadouvan granola and chive.

Steak Tartare

Made with high quality wagyu beef, the steak tartare is flavored with lemongrass and topped with three hour yolk and micro greens. The dish is served with crispy taro chips on the side.

Divine Presidential Palates Dining Experience At Delmonico’s Restaurant In NYC

In honor of the upcoming election, Delmonico’s Restaurant is offering a special menu - Presidential Palates – in collaboration with former Executive Residence White House Chef John Moeller (Clinton & Bush Sr & Jr.) and Delmonico’s Executive Chef Billy Oliva.

Delmonico’s Presidential Palates

The famous Delmonico’s Restaurant in NYC is honoring this year’s epic race to the White House by hosting the “Presidential Palates” menu, which is inspired by Executive Chef Billy Oliva’s mastery of Delmonico’s US Presidents historic menus and Chef Moeller’s Dining at the White House—From the President’s Table to Yours award winning cookbook.

Crab “Flake” À La Newberg

Served to President Teddy Roosvelt on his birthday at Delmonico’s, the Crab “Flake” À La Newberg included two pieces of juicy, succulent king crab meat that have been crusted with cornflake and pan-fried. The dish is accompanies by crispy crab cake topped with ossetra caviar and micro greens.

Grilled Shiitake Mushrooms

The cylindrical Grilled Shiitake Mushrooms, served during the Bush Administration at the White House in honor of the Prime Minister of Italy’s visit, highlights layers of Jonah crabmeat and herbs with gruyere cheese. The plate is drizzled with roasted red pepper sauce for additional flavor.

Kennedy Clan’s Turkey À La King for Two

While the name of the dish suggests it should serve two people, the Kennedy Clan’s Turkey À La King for Two is enough to feed a whole family. On top of juicy, tender turkey are generous portion of chanterelle mushrooms, sweet peas, and charred peppers in rich tio pepe cream sauce. Enjoy the dish with a side of al dante, herbed pappardelle. The dish was served to President John F. Kennedy at Delmonico’s.

Potus Rice Pudding & Baked Alaska

The smooth, velvety Potus Rice Pudding (background) with lavender essence, peach compote, and pistachio sponge was inspired by President Jefferson. Delmonico’s signature Baked Alaska Underneath the beautiful meringue of Delmonico’s signature Baked Alaska lies moist walnut cake, apricot jam, and banana gelato.

From Appetizer To Entree To Dessert, Here Are Every Shareable Items To Enjoy At Mr. Chow

Enjoy an authentic, family-style Chinese dinner at the iconic Mr. Chow, which boasts 7 locations around the world from NYC to Las Vegas to London. Mr. Chow recently unveiled three of its famed sauces - Fiery, Hoisin and Chile - that the fans of Mr. Chow can purchase and cook at home.

APPETIZER

1. Fresh Clams with Rice Cake 

Delicate yet plump baby clams in shells are sauteed with bite-sized slices of chewy glutinous rice cakes and Shepherd’s Purse greens in thick oyster sauce. The perfect dish to entice your appetite!

2. Shanghai Little Dragon

Place the piece of the soup dumpling on a spoon, poke a little hole, and let the juice seep out. Inside the delicate skin of the dumplings, you will find hearty broth and meat that warms your soul.

3. Pot Stickers

As delicious as they are beautiful, these pan-fried pot stickers - either filled with meat or vegetables - have perfectly crispy exterior with chewy interior. On top of the pot stickers are crunchy chips that taste like potato.

ENTREE

4. Dressed Dungeness Crab

Lump Dungeness crab meat taken off the shell are gently folded into a cloud of egg whites in this unique, fluffy dish. Mixed in with thick, gravy-like white sauce, eating this dish feels like floating on a bed of cloud.

5. Gamblers Duck

Tender and crispy duck is served with steamed pancakes, plum sauce, and julienne cucumber and scallion. The duck has beautifully crispy skin with juicy meat. This DIY dish is fun to prepare and even more delicious to eat.

DESSERT

6. Chocolate Lava Cake

Every chocolate lover’s dream, this dessert has everything to satisfy your sweet cravings. The warm, moist chocolate cake is filled with indulgent fudge that flows out like lava. The cake is topped with a scoop of rich vanilla ice cream that you can enjoy with the chocolate swirl on the plate.

Disappointing Portion Sizes and Overpriced Brunch Items at Narcissa

While the food itself is tasty, both the portion size and the price point at Narcissa will dissuade me from making future visits. I came to Narcissa for brunch around noon on Sunday. I was surprised that there was no wait and the restaurant was half-empty at such a peak brunch time. My friend and I ordered the Carrot Fries to share, and I got the Crab Benedict.



The food arrived very fast, probably within 10 minutes of ordering. Carrot Fries ($7) was not what I expected. I thought it would look more like sweet potato fries, but instead we got 5 pieces of carrot tempura (they looked like fat fingers haha) with a side of jalapeno-tofu dip. I really liked the dip and the fries, which were hot out of the fryer and super crispy. I enjoyed the tempura batter, but 5 pieces for $7 definitely left more to be desired.



The Crab Benedict ($26) was also not what I had expected. The dish featured two small crab cakes topped with poached eggs with salad in the middle. There was nothing else on the table - no English muffin (this was the biggest surprise for me), no tomato, etc. Again, the crab cakes were delicious and the eggs were poached perfectly (but needed a dash of salt!), but $26 is way overpriced for what I got.

Most Delicious West African + French Dishes From Ponty Bistro In NYC

Sick of the boring old pasta or hamburger? Then try Ponty Bistro, a restaurant that specializes in a fusion of West African and French cuisine in the heart of New York City.

1. Crispy Tuna

Wrapped in pickled ginger and cilantro, the Crispy Tuna is an absolutely mouthwatering dish that you must order. Perfect for sharing, this appetizer highlights fresh chunks of raw tuna with crispy skin. It is served on a bed of sweet soy-ginger vinaigrette with wasabi aioli and a hint of chili oil.

2. Soft Shell Crab

The lightly fried soft shell crab is topped with a bed of marinated olive oil and other vegetables like peas, onions, green bell pepper, and carrots. There are four pieces of asparagus to add a bit of extra crunchiness to the dish.

3. 5 Stars Seafood Risotto

The rich and creamy 5 Stars Seafood Risotto packs generous amount of fresh seafood, from the meaty lobster to juicy shrimp to plump scallops. The rice is cooked perfectly al dante, and the creamy, rich base of the sauce will make you want more of this delicious goodness.

4. Le Poulet Yassa

A traditional chicken dish from Senegal, Le Poulet Yassa features juicy, half-chicken in savory marinade with onions, bell peppers, and olives. The dish is served with a side of white rice to soak up all the delicious juice and sauce on the plate.

Top 6 Brunch Items You Must Try At STK Rooftop In New York City

Enjoy the breathtaking views of the Hudson River and Manhattan skyline while indulging on delicious items from a menu that highlights casual American grill cuisine at the newly renovated STK Rooftop this weekend.

1. STK Signature Lil Burgers

Don’t underestimate these mini burgers based on their sizes - these decadent, juicy sliders are everything you have ever dreamed of. Jam-packed with flavors, the STK Signature Lil Burgers highlight juicy beef patties topped with caramelized onions, aged cheddar, and special STK sauce in between toasted black sesame buns.

2. Tuna Tartare

Hiding underneath the crispy taro chips are fresh, well-seasoned tuna tartare over creamy avocado puree. You will want to likc the plate to get every drop of the soy honey emulsion, which adds an interesting balance of sweet and savory to the dish.

3. King Crab Club Sandwich

Don’t expect fillers from this open-faced sandwich. Atop a soft, brioche pretzel roll is a generous mound of king crab meat mixed in with creamy citrus ginger aioli. The crunchy lettuce prevents the pretzel roll from becoming soggy. Enjoy the sandwich with a side of salad.

4. Chicken Sausage Benedict

Everyone’s favorite brunch item has undergone a slight makeover at STK, and it’s absolutely delicious. Instead of the traditional Canadian ham or smoked salmon, STK tops the toasted English muffin with savory chicken sausage. On top are pieces of grilled asparagus and perfectly poached eggs with d’espelette hollandaise sauce.

5. Baked Eggs

They tell you, “Don’t judge a book by its cover,” but when it comes to brunch, you can certainly judge an entree by its looks. And this beautiful (and huge!) baked eggs topped with a spread of cheese, micro greens, and cherry tomatoes are as delicious as they look. You will find a generous amount of spinach and wild mushrooms.

6. Truffle Fries

Flavorful STK fries look more like edible Jenga. You get the perfectly crispy exterior with moist, soft interior that pack all the taste of the potatoes.

Top 6 Mouthwatering Plates That Are Perfect For Sharing

Tucked behind a hidden entrance of a pawn shop, Beauty & Essex is NYC’s “must visit” restaurant that boasts innovative dishes served in a glamorous ambiance.

1. Tuna Poke Wonton Tacos ($17)

Blanketed in between crunchy wonton taco shells are fresh, raw tuna marinated in soy sauce and topped with micro cilantro, julienne radish, a dash of sesame seeds, and wasabi kew pie.

2. Crab Rangoon ($17)

A generous serving of warm jumbo lump crab sits on top of crispy crab crackers, and topped with sweet Thai chili pearls, thinly sliced greens, and a dollop of rich aioli.

3. Grilled Peach & Housemade Ricotta ($13)

Perfect treat for the spring, the grilled toast is decorated with a spread of creamy ricotta and grilled peach with a drizzle of chili honey and basil.

4. Braised Short Ribs ($27)Braised Short Ribs ($27)

Three pieces of tender short ribs topped with pickled pearl onion lays on top of rich, creamy morel mushroom risotto with grilled asparagus.

5. Mushroom Crusted Sea Scallops ($32)

The perfectly seared jumbo sea scallops maintain their plump, juicy interior. They are served with lemon truffled leeks, yukon gold potato puree, and thyme.

6. Box of Doughnuts ($14)

Can’t decide between fruity and chocolatey? Then have both! Three pieces each of fluffy, warm vanilla beignets are filled with chocolate hazelnut creme or raspberry jam.

Top 5 American Comfort Food With A Modern, Elevated Twist at Del Frisco's Grille in NYC

1. Cheesesteak Eggrolls

A fusion of America (Philly cheesesteak) and China’s (eggrolls) signature dishes, the Cheesesteak Eggrolls at Del Frisco’s Grille is an absolute must. Perfect for sharing, the crispy eggrolls are stuffed with savory cheesesteak and drizzled with sweet and spicy chili sauce and honey mustard.

2. Jumbo Lump Crabcake

A fist-sized crabcake, made with lump crab meat and topped with micro greens, sits on top of spicy cajun lobster sauce that is both rich and creamy. Unlike other crabcake, this one is as pure as it gets - real, sweet and juicy crab meat without the unnecessary, extra fillers.

3. Filet Mignon

Del Frisco’s Grille lives up to its reputation as America’s greatest steakhouse by serving one of the best filet mignon ever. Cooked perfectly rare (you can, of course, request it to be cooked any way you want), the filet mignon has beautifully pink center with grilled edges. The absolutely juicy steak that just melts in your mouth is topped with peppercorn for additional flavor.

4. A Trio of Vegetable Sides

The sides at this steakhouse is as delicious as the main course itself. The crispy sweet potato fries, pan-braised wild mushrooms, and shaved brussels sprouts with bacon all complement the steak well.

5. Coconut Cream Pie

Inspired by Boston cream pie, the Coconut Cream Pie is presented just as the name suggests. On top of a mound of fresh cream are toasted & fresh coconut flakes and white chocolate shavings. The pie is surrounded by crunchy crust made with Nila crackers, which is much sweeter and has more vanilla flavor than other typical crusts.

My Favorite Bites And Drinks At The Eddy, A Charming “Black Sheep” Of Curry Row

Amidst a stretch of nondescript Indian restaurants in Manhattan's East Village, The Eddy - a charming New American restaurant - appears to be the black sheep of Curry Row. But there is nothing disgraceful about being an outcast in this case. In fact, The Eddy stands out even more with its creative cocktails and flavorful fare that have delighted diners since it opened about 1.5 years ago.

DRINKS
While my typical go-to drink is a glass of Cabernet, I had to make an exception to try The Eddy's signature cocktail. From its expansive drink menu, the cocktail that immediately caught my eyes was the Bedrock Fizz.

Bedrock Fizz

This dreamy concoction combined Old Tom Gin, apricot brandy, and Aperol that has been infused with Fruity Pebbles. On top was a fluffy bed of meringue, which was created by shaking cream and egg white for approximately 30 minutes. The bartender then poured a glass of fresh seltzer for a dramatic rise of the meringue and sprinkled a spoonful of colorful Fruity Pebbles. Soon enough, I was drinking (...or perhaps, "biting" into) the most whimsical cocktail I have ever tasted.

APPETIZER
The Bedrock Fizz was just the beginning of my food journey at The Eddy, whose food menu draws flavors and inspiration from around the globe to spotlight seasonal produce and local proteins. The tapas-style appetizers were ideal for sharing. Some of my favorites included:

Crab Toast with Cilantro Aioli + Guajillo Chili

Atop a grilled, bite-sized toast sat a generous portion of lump crab meat mixed in with cilantro aioli. The crispy toast was then drizzled with guajillo chili sauce for a subtle kick of spiciness.

Butter Poached Barnstable Oysters with Sunflower Granola

I no longer have any qualms about eating cooked oyster after trying this dish. The plump, butter poached oysters were not only seasoned perfectly, but also topped with sunflower granola for that crunchy texture.

Beef Tendon Puffs with Dill Creme, Smoked Trout Roe, and Charred Onions

There was a lot going on in this dish. The airy, crunchy beef tendon puffs were dressed with a dollop of refreshing dill creme and topped with salty, smoked trout roe. The chef sprinkled charred onions (don't be fooled...it's not seaweed!).

ENTREE
I couldn't decide between land and sea for my entree. Luckily, the solution presented itself: Get both and share with my friend!

Seared Scallops with Pioppini Mushrooms, Cashews, and Bonito Carrot

Sometimes I receive a plate of food that is too pretty to eat - and this scallop dish was one of them. The plate included three plump scallops that were perfectly seared on the outside with charred edges and juicy, chewy inside. These scallops were laid on top of golden bonito carrot puree with a side of sauteed pioppini mushrooms, carrots, and other greens.

Wagyu Chuck Steak with Crisp Potatoes and Charred Lettuces

The medium rare wagyu chuck steak from The Eddy was so tender, and I finally understood what it meant by "melt in your mouth." The steak had just enough fattiness to add flavor without tasting too greasy. The crispy potatoes and charred lettuces on the side complement the dish.

DESSERT
No matter how full, there is always room for dessert! At this point, I was done deciding between option A and option B. I wanted to end the dining experience at The Eddy with a loud bang, and order all the desserts on the menu.

Malted Milk Ice Cream, Caramel Apple, and Cardamom Panna Cotta

The Eddy magically combined both sweet and savory flavors to its desserts. The creamy Malted Milk Ice Cream had oozing Amaro Abano foam on top with crunchy pistachio crumb and celery. The tender Caramel Apple with walnuts and smoked milk foam had crispy cheese cracker on the side for another layer of flavor. Finally, a bed of Concord grape ice topped with basil, olive oil, and sea salt laid atop creamy cardamom panna cotta for the perfectly refreshing way to end the meal.