Prepping for Winter - The perfect place to start

Considering the early apocalyptic snow storm, it seems appropriate to highlight a nice place to stop for a filling winter meal.  Mari Vanna – 41 East 20^th Street (between Park & Broadway) - It certainly has an Alice in Wonderland feel to it.  I think they self-describe it as a fairytale.  It is trippy – I feel like it’s what an apartment might have looked like in the 1940’s – Certainly a different experience than the typical Manhattan eatery.  I like the contrast of this place on one side of the street and the Gramercy Tavern on the other.  It’s like a scene from Back to the Future after leaving the smoke filled Magical Mystery Bus.

I must admit that I was resisting even trying this place and I have only my own ignorance to blame.  I couldn’t imagine what Russian food was but I was convinced I didn’t eat it.  Even though people (real Russian people) swear that Mari Vanna has authentic Russian dishes, the flavors and presentation were reminiscent of a number of different places and cultures.   Their Cheese pie is like eating a delicious thin crust Calzone.  Please don’t even attempt to eat it by yourself…It may look small but it will fill you up beyond belief.  It’s a great dish to share and comes in four slices.

The blini’s reminded me of old school blitzes.  Individually the blini’s are small but you can order them in a variety of denominations…single serving of the same kind, multi-pack variety, or the grand pooba pack for a table of twelve.  Loved the Mushroom blini’s – Could eat them all day long.  They also have smoked salmon, cottage cheese or ground beef blini’s – Definitely order these for the table…or shove them all in your mouth before anyone can get their hands on them.

And to keep warm, on this pre-Halloween snow fiasco, you might want to try the mushroom soup…Porcini Mushrooms with Carrots, Potatoes and Onions – Nothing complicated but prepared perfectly.  Yummy to the last spoonful and not heavy at all.  You can definitely have 48 blini’s and an entire bowl of soup without popping.  Doubtful you could eat an entire cheese pie and chase it with a bowl of soup…unless you are wearing elastic pants from Walmart.

Loved the Vareniki – Potato and Mushroom Pierogi’s in a light Porcini Mushroom sauce.  Have eaten it alone and have also shared it with friends.  Don’t ask me why I am on such a mushroom kick but this dish was something special. 

Mari Vanna is a fun place to go with a group.  Great place to order many different dishes and try each of them out.  Be aware of the table in the far right corner – One of the seats is an Archie Bunker chair that is too damn low for the table.  Talk about feeling like you are literally in Alice in Wonderland….So not working for me.  And watch out for the Vodka recommendations.  Their prices for a little mouthful of Vodka could make you gag on your cheese pie.  The staff is very sweet and charming and does a nice job of recommending food and drinks.  As a rule of thumb….If you are going to recommend a thimble full of vodka I would appreciate knowing that it will cost $18 a shot…or at least whisper it into my ear as I order my third.

And don’t let the 45 page clip board menu scare you off.  They really should simplify it and fit it onto 2 or three pages…even if it takes on a giant diner menu quality.  Flipping through the pages is annoying and you lose track of what you had in mind.  I think they may have too many options on the menu considering the number of pages and sections.  It would be a shame if people were turned off from this place because the menu is laid out like “a choose your own adventure” book.

Check it out…. www.Marivanna.ru/ny - 41 East 20th Street, NY, NY

Eat up New York

Punch....Out - Time To Go

I would rather lick stamps for nourishment before I set foot in Punch again (913 Broadway - I won't even both listing their link here).  It's my own fault though - I stopped going to Punch over a year ago after I actually saw a dog sitting at the next table during Brunch.  No, not under the table - sitting it's furry ass on a chair, face at table height and eating from a plate.  That really should have been the sign to never return.  Shame on me for going back

Without belaboring the description of each bad, overly spiced, lack of anything original or remotely fresh, poorly prepared, poorly presented, no substitutes allowed dish....I would just say No.  Never again.  But a shiny spot was the busboy who was dead on balls accurate at refilling the water glasses in stark contrast to the dish rag waitress who had less personality than wet paint.   Eat up new York...anywhere but here

A Show to Flip-Out for

I have seen many shows at the Union Square Theater and one thing I can tell you is that the Theater itself stinks.  I am ok with a tiny theatre and I get that it’s Off Broadway; however the seats are probably the smallest known to man and the worst part is that there is little to no grading.  What does this mean?  Big guy in front of you means all you see for the hour and a half show is giant bald head…or worse, giant bulging neck and head fat from the back of the giant bald guy.  There should be a separate section, somewhere way off to the side, if your neck exceeds 20” or if you are taller than 5’10”.  And I don’t care how young you are - bring yourself an ass cushion because those seats are 50 year old new.

And as uncomfortable as the seats are, and as bad as the views can be…I still go, and am pleased to recommend their current show, Traces.  I have seen a bunch of these acrobatic shows, as have many New Yorker’s and tourists alike, and it must be damn hard to come up with new material or to reuse old material in a new way.  Traces hits the mark all around.  It is a heart pounding adrenaline rush for the performers and the audience (assuming your ass hasn’t fallen asleep and you can bend your neck to see around the neck fat in front of you). 

The performers are incredible, and in a shape that is beyond belief.  It is more than flipping, and scaling poles.   This troop has turned their acrobatic skills into a very entertaining and exhilarating 1½ hour show.  Traces goes from the incredibly intense full court act, and then pause for some mildly funny mid-show antics.  When you see the show you will realize that they pause to literally take a breath before they begin their next heart pounding set.  The ensemble takes turns performing individually, or as a duo, and then comes back together for a full blown act that is impossible to fully take in.  When they perform all together your eyes are bouncing all around…from one end of the stage, to back of neck fat, to the other end of the stage, to back of neck fat…to the point that you actually blur out the back of neck fat and see through the giant head in front of you.

Traces has (and this list doesn’t do justice) flipping, balancing, incredible two person – mid air acrobatic artistry, rope flying, ensemble flipping and throwing (of the performers), pole climbing, pole acrobatics, pole swinging, pole flipping, (pole mania!), skateboarding, an amazing chair balancing act that I can’t even describe, hoop jumping, hoop balancing and dancing…and all performed by an incredibly charming and energetic young group.  And they do some singing and dancing too.  There are a couple parts of the act where you think the performers may leap right into the audience (and they kinda do for one part).  The one great benefit of the small theatre is the intimacy of it all – It’s like watching a show being put on just for you – You can smell the stage, and see and taste the chalk they use to dry their hands between pole flips.

The show is a lot of fun and would be great for folks of all ages…keeping in mind that a little kid will need to sit on your lap to peer over the giant head in front of you.

Traces will be running at the Union Square Theater until January 2012.  Go See it!  – www.tracesusa.com – Union Square Theater is located at 100 East 17^th Street between Park Ave and Irving

Eat up New York

This week is Greek

The decor is charming – Rustic yet warm.  Love the wood beams.  The restaurant makes you feel like you have been transported to somewhere in Greece.  I am talking about Kefi located at 505 Columbus Avenue.  I have been there several times and have enjoyed the food quite a bit.  I always liked Greek food but Kefi seems more traditional than commercialized Greek that you often see out and about.  This isn't your father's gyro out of the back of an old mail truck.    The food at Kefi is homey - Like being invited over to someone's house for dinner more than just being out to a restaurant. 



Loved the meatballs and their Kefi burger is quite good – Has some spices that give it a really interesting flavor…and can be a bit spicy sometimes.  And trust me when I tell you that you best pack some mints if you eat the burger and are either on a date or have somewhere to go afterwards.  You might be kicking a bit and reliving the burger for a few hours....It’s worth the repeat.   They do a mean Mac & Cheese with Bechamel (not that I think of Mac & Cheese when I think Greek…but it’s way good).  They have great salads and a wonderful selection of fresh fish. 

Wish their service was better and as warm as the decor.  The staff is a bit stand-off-ish, and cold, which is such a contrast to what you expect when you walk in the door.  But listen, the food is delightful and I would definitely recommend checking this place out – It is also kid friendly but be warned that the burger might not be what a kid is looking for....You know that look a kid makes when they see something familiar and expect it to taste a certain way....and it doesn't

http://www.kefirestaurant.com/ - 505 Columbus Avenue (Between 84th & 85th Streets)

Eat up New York.

Bring on the Cheese Wheel

I miss those back to school assignments where you had to write about your summer break.  The beginning of the school year was always my favorite.  I remember a teacher saying that we all start off with straight A’s….didn’t last long, but who doesn’t like the concept of having straight A’s even if it only lasts for two or three days.  So anyway, here is one of the things I did on my summer break:

Basta Pasta – 37 West 17^th Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues – Italian Japanese?  That might sound weird but it was very good and the place is always packed.  The have a really interesting menu with many  dishes to choose from.  This isn’t one of those places where you stare at the menu and can’t find anything that will fit the bill.

For Apps we loved the Asparagi Gratinati – al dente asparagus with golden parmesan, and their Calamari all Griglia – grilled squid with homemade sausage stuffed with curry risotto, golden raisins, pine nuts & prosciutto

For the mains there were some great choices: Pappardelle alla Siciliana – Homemade pappardelle with eggplant, basil & fresh tomatoes, Risotto con Gamberi e Funghi – Risotto with shrimp and three kinds of mushrooms – I never met a mushroom I didn’t like.  And my Italian barometer is always the Fettuccine alla Bolognese – They nailed it – Great sauce, Great Flavor – Nice.  One other dish that you can’t forget is the Spaghetti con Prosciutto e Parmigiano – It’s spaghetti with Parmigiano Reggiano & Parma Prosciutto served in a half wheel of Parmesan cheese – They bring the wheel to the table and then actually put your meal directly into the half wheel of Parmesan – They toss the warm spaghetti right in the cheese wheel which is pretty cool to see.  Who doesn’t love a wheel of cheese???

The food is beautifully prepared and plated.   And, believe it or not, this isn’t heavy Italian cooking – All of the dishes we had (even the Rissoto and Fettuccine all Bolognese) were on the lighter side – Nothing was creamy or cement like.  All had a fresh market quality to them – Really nice. 

My one “However” is that they can definitely work on their interpersonal skills – This isn’t a place you go for 4 star service.  It was ok but definitely missing that spark.

The place fills up and I am so not about standing and waiting especially when there really isn’t any place to wait – The bar area is pretty small and the layout doesn’t really give you enough room to linger.  With that in mind, if you go and it is packed….try another time – It is worth the effort. 

Here is the link to their website… www.BastaPastanyc.com  be patient, it sucks.  Very slow to load – too much flash, or whatever it is happening – Hopefully they can spruce up the site because I wouldn’t want you to pass up on trying this place just because it took you 20 minutes to load the menus J - Eat up New York

Our First Fan Write Up - Don't fear Brooklyn...just loosen your belt

I have to admit that although I grew up in Brooklyn I am a Manhattan snob when it comes to eating out. I never think of going to Brooklyn. Several months ago I reconnected with a long-lost cousin, and we met for lunch at Bammonte’s (and old school favorite that deserves its’ own review). We had a great time catching up on old family stories and our childhood, and I guess we didn’t creep each other out too much so we thought getting together with our spouse’s was the next step. Rita insisted on inviting my wife and me to a hidden spot on Broadway in Brooklyn called Patricia’s http://www.patriziasofbrooklyn.com (35 Broadway). At the time she instructed me to bring my appetite. If you saw me you would know that rarely do I go anywhere without my appetite… so I paid no attention, and besides who listens to their younger cousin anyway.

Saturday night my wife and I walked in, gave our name, and waited. In a few minutes my cousin and her husband showed and shortly thereafter we sat down.

Before I had my coat off there was bread and appetizers on the table, (at this point I was in love). No menus were handed out and the food kept coming. It was a miracle, and as we finished one plate a waiter showed up with another plate, and on and on and on. When Rita said “bring your appetite”, she should have said “don’t eat for a week”.

I don’t remember everything that was brought out but here is what I recall in no order of any kind: Calamari, Capponata, Pizza, Meatballs, Cavetelli with sausage, Homemade Ravioli ( that is what I call them) Steak, Lobster, Eggplant, chicken stuffed with prosciutto and mozzarella, Homemade Mozzarella stuffed with ricotta, Beer ,Wine, dessert tray (yes no need to choose one you can taste them all….they leave the tray). The meal was spectacular no one left hungry, not even a remote possibility of that.

A night I will always remember. First because I got to spend a great night with Rita and Nooche, who are more fun than I can explain. They not only know everyone that comes in the place, they even knew the Monsignor from the local parish who stopped by to say hello. Second, you will not find a place like Paticia’s anywhere. The food and service were excellent. The atmosphere is clearly old Brooklyn…the Brooklyn I grew up with. Reservations are a must, don’t eat for a week and I understand that we chose family style, you can go ala carte off the menu, a bit of an assumption here because I never did see a menu but I have heard from some people that they exist.

Finally my wife was right we should not have brought Timmy…..he was too skinny! ( www.youtube.com/watch?v=wpMkRIXhLH0&feature=related )

Eat Up New York ! and Brooklyn too!

Italian in Chelsea worth the Concussion

You know when you stop doing something for a long period of time that it’s hard to get back to it? Like homework, or going to class, or brushing your teeth, or putting away your laundry….. There is so much to catch up on but we figured it best to take it one at a time.

A relatively new and welcome spot in Chelsea is Zero Otto Nove on West 21st Street between 5th & 6th Avenues. I guess it opened three or four month’s back. I remember passing the place with a friend of mine who was amazed to see the sign go up announcing that it was the sister restaurant to the famous Roberto’s in the Bronx. (www.Roberto089.com)

I passed Zero Otto Nove several times and figured they weren’t open yet. The front is very dark and you can’t see past the few tables that line the front window. They need something in the front that let's you know they are open....way too nondescript. It is also pretty quiet early in the evening but, as I have come to find out, they fill the place as the night goes on.

The food is really fresh and such a nice addition to a strip that is really lacking places to eat. This block on West 21st Street has a couple of clubs, and a few bars, that seem to change their names every couple of weeks. There is also a restaurant closer to fifth called something like “Green Market Tavern” or “Market Tavern” or “Green Tavern”. I know they got into some kind of legal dispute with the “Green Market” over the use of the name. It really doesn’t matter except to point out that you should not mistake Zero Otto Nove with the whatchamacallit Tavern place.

Zero has a beautiful brick oven, in the back of the restaurant, that you can see as you are being taken to your seat. The open oven emanates a wonderful smoky scent as they rapidly bake(about 45 seconds to a minute) their large selection of artisanal pizzas. The pizzas are big enough to share yet small enough to eat by yourself. Great sauce. Great Cheese. Really nice selection of options – Their Margherita is totally acceptable but my favorite is the La Carminuccio which consists of Tomato sauce, pancetta, grated cheese, basil & spices. I am not a huge pancetta fan but I absolutely love this pizza – wonderful flavor. We like to order that as one of our appetizers. I also sampled the Fresh mozzarella, mushroom, and potato pie – It was interesting but a little lacking in flavor. Needed something…maybe truffle oil to give it a little kick.

Really enjoyed: Eggplant and zucchini Parmigiana w/fresh mozzarella appetizer along with their Stuffed Peppers.

As a main course I sampled: Baked rigatoni w/meatballs, Lunguine al Nero di Seppia, Risotto alla Pescatore and even their Spaghetti and Meatballs. All were very tasty but they pale in comparison to my two favorites: Malfalde con Salsiccia e Provelone (Ribbon pasta with sausage meat, smoked mozzarella & cherry tomatoes) and my absolute favorite dish….Radiatori Cartoccio (Radiatori pasta cooked in tinfoil with porcini mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, bread crumbs & shaved parmigiano reggiano).

And because I enjoyed it so much I had to dedicate an entire standalone paragraph to the Radiatori Cartoccio. They make their own home-made pasta for this dish and it is baked in a tinfoil pouch which is brought right to the table for you. They present the dish and then cut open the tin foil which emits a steamy scent of mushroom happiness. Yum! – So worth going to Zero just for this dish alone.

Zero Otto Nove is definitely worth a visit; however I have to point out some things that need to be improved (Zero mgt please see about fixing.....before someone gets a concussion)
* for men – The bathroom has a frightening low ceiling near the second urinal – You won’t realize it until after you bang your head on the ceiling – I can only assume that a second urinal was installed after the building inspection was done?
* Keep in mind that the bathrooms share a common sink area which is not my favorite thing ever (you never know when you may want to wash your feet in a restaurant sink or perhaps throw some water on your face…) The shared sink sits in an open area between the men’s & women’s bathrooms – I think the whole area was designed for hobbits It feels like you are entering the Bilbo Baggins house
* The wait staff needs to get on the ball with knowing how to take the order so that when the food comes out…they know who ordered what. That awkward….”who ordered the Radiatore…..who ordered the pizza…who ordered……” Dude – You should know what I ordered – It’s part of your gig
* Getting a check is sometimes a bit too long – This may be a difficult one but the wait staff should try to get the feel of their guests and check in, post desert and coffee, to see if perhaps everyone is ready to go. You can sit there, for what feels like an eternity, before you track someone down to get you a check –

These aren’t deal breakers for me but perhaps your visit will be more enjoyable because you know going in….duck at the second urinal…or don’t go near it at all.

So here you go – www.Roberto089.com is the website – The address of Zero Otto Nove is 15 West 21st Street, between 5th & 6th Avenues – Keep in mind that they don’t take reservations for groups unless you have six or more.

Eat Up New York