The Smith
The Smith is absolutely brilliant for expanding to Midtown East, in an area where real estate values are down due to a mid-2000 crane crash. The restaurant attracts an older crowd than the the original location’s largely NYU student crowd. The crowd was bustling with a reminded me of my Syracuse University days.. it was like a fashion show of the latest expensive jeans and expensive strollers. True, I have both expensive jeans and my son’s iCandy (expensive) stroller is better than all those fancy Bugaboos I saw today, but that’s besides the point.
Anyway, we had a reservation but weren’t seated for 20 mins after our res time. With a kid who has scheduled feeding times, it is harder to wait even 20 mins than my pre-baby days. When we were seated, service was really fast, almost rushed. The the food quality was noticeably lower than what I remembered from the Union Sq location back in the day. I used to go all the time – check out my positive review below. The pricing also is now really inflated for the portions/food quality.
My cousin had a ranchero scramble, which was $16. It included chipotle salsa, black beans, tortillas, cheddar, avocado. It looked and tasted so plain. Though the menu says, ”WE SUPPORT LOCAL, NATURAL, SUSTAINABLE & ORGANIC PRACTICES WHENEVER POSSIBLE,” it appeared to not be possible for this dish. The dish looked like supermarket tortillas, runny eggs, Goya beans and avocado, stacked, but not stacked in a tasty looking way, it didn’t blend like some of the rancheros I’ve had in my day. The only way my cousin was able to get some satisfaction from the dish was to pile on the house made hot sauce, which he said was quite good. It came with a free bloody mary, bellini, blood orange mimosa, passion punch or fresh squeezed juice. I sipped the mimosa and it tasted like Andre Champagne and Tropicana. My $18 shrimp salad with avocado, fennel, oranges, grilled onions, frisée, watercress, basil viniagrette could be called refreshing, but I felt the shrimp portion was slightly skimpy and they cut the shrimp in half to make it appear like I was getting more for my money. Also, after I was finished, I felt like I needed to go out for lunch.
If you want a brunch in NYC with a legitimate free cocktail and an amazing bread basket, stick with Primehouse.
With all the above said, the Smith will thrive because it is a scene. They can continue doing what they are doing and the crowds will continue to pour in!
The Smith Midtown - 956 Second Avenue NYC (at the corner of 51st).
***
The Smith has a great variety of food at reasonable prices (even with the recent noticeable price increases on the most popular items). It is a cool setting. Lots of NYUers frequent The Smith. With each time I go, I always say I am not going to rush back but then end up back soon thereafter. It’s a good place for a casual meal with friends.
Start with two bottles or water – flat in the clear bottle, sparking in green. Free premium water is a nice touch. They also give fresh French bread wrapped in white paper.
The Smith constantly delivers a better mac and cheese than others I have had. Love the presentation in a cast iron pan. It is always piping hot, crispy on top and the variety of cheeses makes it really flavorful.
Entrees are hit or miss. My friend recently said of the roasted cod with curried cauliflower, toasted almonds, red pepper romesco ($21). “The cod is bland but when you mix it with the shit below, it makes it better.”
I have always enjoyed the vegetable “bibimbap” – sushi rice, shiitake, spinach, edamame, sunny up egg ($16). My other friend said “it’s the best bibimbap I’ve had outside a Korean Restaurant.”
I’ve also been told the charbroiled chicken with smashed potato and roasted garlic is good.
Don’t forget about the $6 draft beers and inexpensive carafes of wine.
Also, top the night off with a $5 sundae for dessert. Make it special with the birthday sundae and they’ll put in a candle even if it isn’t your birthday.
Rating:
Food – 7/10
Ambiance – 8/10
Service – 7/10
Category:
Food Type – American
Style – Casual
Price – Reasonable
Wanna go?
Address/phone – 55 3rd Avenue, 212-420-9800
website -ctrnyc.com/THESMITH
menu - ctrnyc.com/THESMITH/thesmithwebsite/menus.html
OpenTable – opentable.com/the-smith
Nooï Pasta to Go
When traveling in France this summer, I wondered why NYC had yet to have a “pasta in a box” establishment. In France these establishments seemed as common as pizza places in NYC. Sure enough, a week or two after my trip on my walk to Grand Central, I came across “Nooï to Go.”
The idea is simple. Pick your pasta, pick your sauce, pick your toppings, box it up and go (or eat in if you choose in their modern 1,700 square foot establishment).
I selected “Bolo” - Bolognaise with bow-tie pasta at the suggestion of Chris, the chief operating officer of Nooï North America, who was working the counter when I visited.
The things I fear about a concept like this were overcooked pasta and flavorless sauce. Both my fears were dispelled at first bite. I truly enjoyed a hearty, flavorful, filling portion of pasta and sauce. The pasta was al dente as advertised… I think it has to do with those fancy automated machines in the back that look like deep friers (for pasta).
Nooï’s offerings are simple $3.95 (26 oz) or 4.95 (32 oz) for pasta and two toppings without sauce.
“Simply delicious” recipes are $1 more and include:
- Tomato Fresca - Tomato, olive oil, basil
- Diablo – Spicy
- Fredo – Alfredo
- “Vodkaya”
“Rich and Tasty” are yet $1 more and include:
- “Bolo” Bolognaise
- Bracnara- Carbonara
- “4 Magic” – 4 Cheese
- Pesto
- Chick’n Champi – Chicken meat with mushrooms and cream
- Bollywood- Chicken curry
- Le Salmen – salmon, cream, leaks and dill
- Lovster – Cream, minced lobster, tomato and sherry
You can get multi grain for $1 extra.
Everything seems simple, yet I found the menu to be too hard to follow. The menu referenced all these “formulas” which would put pressure on me if I were on a crowded lunch line. Too many words, too far away…. it made something very simple seem complicated. This could be solved by a good graphic artist who knows how to do less with more. Even better, invest in some plasma screens that allow you to make ordering more visual.
Also, strangely, the in-store and take out menu made no reference to the types of pasta offered. Even the Wall Street Journal article announcing Nooï deemphasized the pasta…”Nooï’s Mr. Sanchez did say the restaurant will include different cuts of pasta and 12 to 15 types of sauces, ranging from Indian and Mexican sauces to more traditional ones.” I would like to see more about the pasta on the menu – is it made fresh daily ? It it dry? What about those automated pasta machines make it taste so good!? What about the machines cook the pasta perfectly every time?
These nits are minor and can be easily addressed. Most important is reasonably priced, tasty pasta and sauces.
All-in all, I would go back, especially if I was in the neighborhood around lunch time during the winter.
Rating:
Food – 7/10
Ambiance – 7/10
Service – 8/10
Category:
Food Type – Pasta
Style – Casual
Price – Reasonable
Address/ phone: 370 Lexington Avenue (Btwn 40th & 41st St)
Shaburi
** Update 7/25 /2010 – Shaburi has closed***
I had the pleasure of dining at Shaburi two times in three nights. I very rarely go back to a New York City restaurant so quickly, but I was especially impressed with attentive service and gourmet cuisine at reasonable prices (based on how you order, more on that later). This restaurant, which is highly rated by Zagat and Michelin, has a noticeable awning, but often is overlooked on this quiet part of East 39th Street.
I ordered Shabu Shabu both times. Shabu Shabu is thin slices of meat and vegetables cooked on the table in a simmering pot of broth. I opted for Kobe Beef ($28) with the spicy miso broth ($2) the first time and Berkshire Pork ($ 16) with Tom Yom broth ($2) the second time. I will describe my first time…
The waiter quickly turned on the built in burner on the table.
Next, the spicy miso broth arrived.
Within minutes, the broth was at a simmering boil.
At this point, it was time to add the vegetables. Because I was a “first timer,” the waiter did this for me and explained that adding the vegetables first was necessary to add flavor. The vegetable assortment was a “work of art” including corn, several varieties of mushroom (shiitaki, enoki, and oyster) watercress, tomato, cabbage, tofu, scallions, and my favorite, pumpkin.
A few minutes later, the shabu shabu was back to a rapid boil.
It was time to dip the thinly sliced pieces of Kobe beef into the broth. The waiter demonstrated how it only took about 5 seconds to cook the meat. When cooked to your specifications, remove the meat, dip in either sesame sauce or ponzi sauce, and enjoy. The meal also came with sushi grade rice, which helped to tone down some of the spiciness of the broth.
Next, scoop out the veggies with one of the special spoons and enjoy from the soup bowl provided. The soup bowl also has handles to allow you to sip instead of spoon!
Shaburi shabu shabu was perfectly executed in every way. It was also a hearty portion – piping hot and perfectly seasoned. The broth was “harmonious” when all the previously described ingredients mixed together.
hough I enjoyed the Kobe, I found the Berkshire pork to be as enjoyable for a much lower price.
Rating:
Food – 8/10
Ambiance – 7/10
Service – 8/10
Category:
Food Type – Japanese
Style – Casual
Price – Expensive
Address/ phone: 125 E 39th St (Btwn Lexington & Park Ave), 212-867-6999
menu: menupages.com/restaurants/shaburi/menu
Choptank
I received two recommendations to try Choptank in two days, so I gave it a try. It is an impressive space in The West Village. I liked how the traditional design mixed with the modern. The back open air courtyard will prove to be very popular during the spring and summer.
Service was friendly and attentive. Our waiter was a nice guy. Instead of bread, they offer complementary Old Bay Chips and crab dip. We were excited to learn that this was free. Our excitement wore off when we realized that the chips were over seasoned and the crab dip was so thick that the flimsy chips broke each time we tried to dip. We left the chips and dip over.
\
By far, the best part of the meal was the generous portion of Peel ‘N’ Eat Shrimp, Cocktail Sauce ($12). I had enjoyed peel and eat shrimp at Dinosaur Bar B Que earlier in the day and I actually liked these better. Why? The high quality jumbo shrimp were served hot. Unlike the chips, they were steamed with just the right amount of Old Bay. The cocktail sauce was tangy and fresh. It was a generous potion for the price.
Onto the steamers. I ordered these over the clams at the recommendation of the people at the next table. The steamers were cooked just right and the flavor came from the actual steamers as opposed to being overpowered with seasonings.
Though the burger came out undercooked and had to be sent back, all and all, it is a good option, especially if you don’t eat fish. They also have fried chicken on the menu.
I noticed a few people ordering crab cakes, which looked good. I also am intrigued by their $50 all you can eat crab menu item.
Rating:
Food – 7/10
Ambiance – 8/10
Service – 8/10
Category:
Food Type – Seafood
Style – Casual
Price – Moderate
Address/ phone: 310 Bleecker St., near Grove, 212-675-2009
menu: choptanknyc.com/Choptank_MENU.pdf
OpenTable: opentable.com/choptank
The Standard Grill
I have given the Standard Hotel a few tries over the last few weeks. Tried the Biergarden, had drinks at the Standard Grill, and also dined at the Standard Grill. My recommendation for the best experience at the Standard Hotel is to stick with drinks at the Standard Grill and enjoy the free apples on the way to the unisex bathroom.
Drinks were all well executed, they are creatively presented and always nice and cold. I have enjoyed the PENNY DROP on two occasions. It was served in a copper cup and included Vodka, House made ginger cordial, lime juice, ginger beer, fresh ginger. You can really taste the fresh ingredients.
The margarita is quite good and they also have an extensive wine list. Don’t forget about their $45 punches that “serve multitudes.” Haven’t tried the punches but looked to be popular in the restaurant.
Don’t get me wrong, the food wasn’t bad, but the lackluster, inattentive service took away from the experience. We waited far too long to be greeted, far too long for water and it took forever to get our drinks. The waiter fumbled through the specials (which were already printed on the menu). The food also took an extended period of time to arrive. To top it off, the bill had a “convenient” 20% service charge added in ( we were a party of 6). Not sure when 20% became a “standard” tip.
There were also some weird elements to the meal. These two items were placed on our table in the beginning of the meal … not sure why? Just seemed random…
We had to ask for bread, which was good. I liked the salty rolls but a few at my table thought they were hard and tough to eat.
I particularly enjoyed my Sunburst Farm Trout, currant & pine nut relish ($19). The trout was cooked perfectly, the charring of the fish added to the taste and the aesthetics. The fish was simply prepared. The sweet currant & pine nut relish was a perfect complement. All in all, the price wasn’t bad either.
The “Million Dollar” Whole Roast Chicken for Two ($34) seemed like a nice gimmick, but, while it was enjoyed, for the price you may find yourself wondering why this “Million Dollar” Chicken isn’t that different from one of those Rotisserie specials at your neighborhood grocery stores (or even Costco for only $4.99). Check out this chicken special I saw while walking through Harlem…
The Standard Grill Ranch Burger with bacon and cheese, fries ($16) looked like a good choice and the people at the table that ordered it seemed to enjoy despite one being slightly overcooked.
Crispy Potatoes With Smoked Paprika Aioli ($7) were excellent.
Rating:
Food – 7/10
Ambiance – 9/10 (Trendy, thoughtful design, cool scene)
Service – 5/10
Category:
Food Type – New American
Style – Casual
Price – Moderate
Wanna go?
Address: 848 Washington Street, 212-645-4500
website – thestandardgrill.com OpenTable – opentable.com/the-standard-grill Menu: http://thestandardgrill.com/menu/
Sinigual New York
I recall walking by Sinigual as they were building it and thinking the entrance is not very inviting. I am not a follower of Feng Shui but something about this place on 42 street didn’t seem very inviting. Several months later, my wife and I were in the neighborhood around lunch time and decided to give it a try. They obviously put a lot of money into Sinigual. Unfortunately, is very little that differentiates Sinigual from every other overpriced Mexican place in NYC, except for the fact that they started the meal with fresh tortillas instead of chips. I liked the tortillas but wasn’t sure what to do with the salsa and butter on the table. My wife had chicken fajitas, which were good enough. A highlight was the little scoop corn mash that i used to love to get at Chevy’s as a kid (it was no better than Chevy’s). I had the fish tacos. The piece of fish inside was very small and all I remember from the meal was the mayo that overpowered. I asked for hot sauce to overpower the mayo. All in all, stick with Mercadito for Mexican in NYC.
Rating:
Food – 7/10
Ambiance – 7/10
Service – 7/10
Category:
Food Type – Mexican
Style – Casual
Price – Moderate
Wanna go?
Address/phone – 150 E 42nd St (At 41st & 3rd Ave), 212- 286-0250
website- sinigualrestaurants.com
menus – menupages.com/restaurants/sinigual
OpenTable – opentable.com/sinigual-new-york
Latin Thing
They say it’s a “Latin Thing”…. I say it is more than that. Anyone and everyone can appreciate this reasonable, hearty and most importantly, tasty food.
I had the Rice & Beans Platter, a choice of white or yellow rice, black or red beans with any meat, salad and choice of toppings. The guy was nice and let me have both kinds of chicken, Pollo Negro (chicken braised in soy sauce & Dominican oregano) and Pollo Ecuatoriano (chicken stewed in tomato sauce & cilantro). Both types of chicken were clearly cooked by a skilled chef. Juicy and flavorful. On top of the chicken, I loaded up with onions, pepper, and salsa (see pics). I tried two of their fresh sauces, jalapeno (mild) and chipolte (spicy). All that for $6.45 – What a deal. The hearty portion should hold me over until New Year’s eve dinner at 10 PM tonight!
Latin Thing is in a sorta strange location (in Little India, not near many residences and businesses). I would imagine they would do better in Spanish Harlem or a more popular/populated neighborhood. For this reason, the fact the place is nothing to look at and has only two tables, I recommend delivery.
Rating:
Food – 8/10
Ambiance – 6/10
Service – 6/10
Category:
Food Type – Latin
Style – Casual
Price – Reasonable
Wanna go?
Address/phone – 61 Lexington Ave, 212- 213-2522
website- latinthingnyc.com
menus – menupages.com/restaurants/latin-thing
Seamless web - seamlessweb.com/food-delivery/Latin-Thing-New-York-City.8448.r
Calle Ocho
Calle Ocho is a large street festival in Miami and an Upper West Side Latin-American Restaurant. I will be reviewing the UWS restaurant.
This expansive space pulls off being able to attract a bar crowd up front and a dining crowd in back with their unique layout. Their Latin American menu includes lots of ceviche, steak, beans, etc. I enjoyed the experience but every time I pay over $20 per entrée for Latin Food I think about all the high quality options that are “cooked with love” in Harlem and the outer boroughs.
Price aside, the food was good. I had the charcoal braised pork shank served over a polenta like tamal en casuela with fresh mushrooms. The mushrooms weren’t cream based but tasted just like Campbell’s cream of mushroom soup (I mean that in the most flattering way possible). The portion was generous, the meat came right off the bone. I appreciated how everything mixed together in a soupy way. It also made for really good leftovers. I would even venture to say I enjoyed the dish more the second day!
I have had better sangria. It was a little sweet for my taste. I enjoyed
the calle ocho amber after I gave up on the sangria.
Rating:
Food – 8/10
Ambiance – 8/10
Service – 7/10
Category:
Food Type – Latin
Style – Casual
Price – Expensive
Wanna go?
Address/phone –
446 Columbus Avenue, 10024, 212-873-5025
website- calleochonyc.com/
menus – menupages.com/restaurants/calle-ocho
Open Table- opentable.com/calle-ocho
The Roasting Plant
I stopped in because the place had a cool and clean look. The mac powered signage was sophisticated and modern . It wasn’t until I heard some rumbling in the background that I realized that all coffee is made to order with an elaborate system of transparent pipes that transport just the right amount of coffee to their “Swiss made brewers.” They call this proprietary system, Roasting Plant Javabot™. See the pics I took.
I hesitated to order the Harrar, which was the coffee of the week because the description said it was medium bodied and had blueberry undertones. I am more of a full-bodied guy and I am not really into “fruity” coffee. This coffee was perfect. Piping hot, smooth and delicate. I am still wondering how they are able to grow coffee with that subtle blueberry taste.
For some substance, I enjoyed one their “Best Chocolate Chip Cookie In New York City.” I can’t describe the cookie any better than the already published review in Serious Eats…. “A gorgeous cookie–bumps, nooks, and crannies. Chewy, crispy. An absolute ideal.”
If you are in the area, stop by. If you are not in the area, this coffee is worth the trip!
Rating:
Food – 9/10
Ambiance – 9/10
Service – 8/10
Category:
Food Type – Coffee
Style – Casual
Price – Resonable
Wanna go?
Address/phone –
81 Orchard Street, 212-775-7755
website- roastingplant.com
Joe Coffee Grand Central
Sleep or Joe? If I want my Joe before my morning commute, I need to leave my apartment at least 5-10 minutes earlier and be ready to brave the line that’s always out the door.
The reason for the line is better quality coffee served with personality. The coffee is strong like Starbucks, but it’s lighter and clearly more skillfully brewed. I like the house brew, and also switch it up every so often with their coffees of the week. Sometimes I go for iced, sometimes hot. I wouldn’t call it the best in NYC, but it is certainly the best option in Grand Central.
In addition to everything you’d expect from a coffee shop they have doughnut plant doughnuts, scones and other fresh pastries.
Service is friendly by lots of creative people. Everyone in line seems to be a regular and 4-5 people behind the small counter always seems to know what lots of the people in line will order before they say a word.
Don’t forget to join their Perc Club and your 10th Joe is free. This is my free Joe!
Rating:
Food – 8/10
Ambiance – 7/10
Service – 7/10
Category:
Food Type – Coffee
Style – Casual
Price – Reasonable
Wanna go?
Address/phone –
Grand Central Terminal (in the Graybar passage), 212-741-2555
Other locations
website- joetheartofcoffee.com