Italian Lunch Coma

A perk about my job is getting to try so many different (and often times pricey) restaurants for various work lunches. It is especially nice when I get to pick where. Today we went to A Voce on Madison (which I had been to once before and loved) and it was deeelicious! I basically tried the whole appetizer menu and highlights include the ricotta and garlic bread and proscuitto with swiss chard and cresenza cheese filled fried dough. Sides such as the brussel sprouts and VERY creamy polenta were also delicious. My main course, which was one of the yummiest pastas I have had was the wild boar orrechiette with cavolo nero, calabrian chilies and pecorino. It was the lightest and most flavorful meat sauce. There is apparently another location in Columbus Circle as well, though I have not been to that one. I'm sure both locations will make one need a siesta post carb-overload.

A Voce

41 Madison Avenue
New York, NY 10010
212.545.8555

Jesus, Mary, & Joseph Leonard

It's been a while since I updated my recent eats, and no that is not because it's winter in NYC and I am hybernating...fortunately, I still eat out...quite a bit actually. One of the places I have been meaning to write about is Joseph Leonard in the West Village to which I went to brunch a few weeks ago. This place is not only decorated in my favorite kind of way (ie: mismatched silverwear), it also serves some of my favorite foods for brunch. I got the croissant egg sandwich which came with manchego and the most fabulous brussel sprouts with sriracha...they were all broken apart into leaves, not served as whole, which made them that much lighter and tastier. Another highlight was the hashbrown...basically an oversized latka for the table to share. Need I say more? Oh yes, this meal was followed by a plate of cookies. Too sweet. BEWARE: the wait is long and there is literally only one 4 top in the place so I recommend coming in twos and at uncommon dining hours.

Joseph Leonard
170 Waverly Place
New York, NY 10014
646.429.8383

Eggs at Egg

This is my second time having brunch at Egg in Williamsburg. The Egg Rothko (eggs in a basket) were as yummie as I remember it last time. With some melted cheese and stewed tomatoes...delicious. This place also has the best bacon I think I've ever had - carmalized, sweet and savory. But, make sure to come here only when you are planning a very late brunch as it is very popular and always busy.

Egg
135 N. 5th Street
Brooklyn, NY 11211
718.302.5151

Ciao Chow

I love it, I love it, I love it. The street, the space, the art,...the food!

Ciao for Now
523 East 12th Street (between Avenue A & B)
New York, NY 10009
212.677.2616

Pork Dork

Last night for my friend Tobye's birthday, she hosted a lovely dinner at The National. She had been raving about this place since her last visit and I am so thankful to her for introducing me to it. I made the bold move of ordering the jerk pork ribs after peer pressure from the birthday girl, and although I rarely eat pork, I was a very happy girl. The ribs with the deviled potato salad were a great pairing, and the mussels were a hit as well. Not the best night to wear a skin-tight mini-dress, though.

The National
8 Rivington Street (between Bowery & Chrystie)
New York, NY 10002
212.777.2177

Que Bueno

If you want something delicious, affordable, and different, Caracas is it. Yes, it is technically old news, but the lines are still outside the door even on the quietest of evenings. I keep coming back and frequent more often then any other place in the city. In Brooklyn, or NYC, whether you are grabbing it to-go, or waiting at the Bourgeois Pig with a drink, the de Pabellon and Quesillo is always amazing.

Caracas Arepa Bar
93 1/2 East 7th Street
New York, NY 10009
212.529.2314

OR

Caracas Arepa Bar
291 Grand Street
Brooklyn, NY 11211
718.218.6050

Listen Sister

Forgive me, for I did not take any pictures, but I went to an amazing dinner last night (coincidentally for my big sister's birthday) and you will just need to use your imaginations, or better yet, just try it out yourself. Sorella in the LES was one of the yummiest Italian meals I have had in a while, and that means a lot because Italian, I dare say, is my favorite. I will leave you with three thoughts: brussel sprouts with bacon and apple, gnocchi with brown butter pears and chives, and bananimal gelato.

Sorella
95 Allen Street (between Broome & Delancey)
New York, NY 11201
212.274.9595