Yummy!

Last night I tried a delicious and super cozy new pizza restaurant in Hell’s Kitchen called Capizzi. Being across the street from Port Authority I did not have very high expectations. But to my surprise it felt like I was stepping into my Italian grandparent’s kitchen complete with 50’s retro refrigerator and analog TV set. The food, like the ambiance, felt like you were sitting down to a meal at Nona’s table; warm, homey and pleasantly familiar. We tried the sampling menu, a perfect mix of the very best tastes the restaurant had to offer. We started with a selection of three appetizers; first the Sicilian String Bean Salad, simple, fresh and delish. Next came the Caprese which was super fresh and super yummy! The appetizers ended with a giant antipasti plate that was a meal in itself filled with a variety of cured meats, olives, cheeses, pickled veggies…it was incredible. For the main course we were treated to a scrumptious sampling of three of their most popular pizzas; the Asparagus Special with roasted asparagus, tomato, truffle oil and toasted pine nuts, The Pizza del Nonno, simply topped with fresh marzano tomatoes, pecorino romano and reggiano parmigiano cheeses with just a drizzling of olive oil, and finally the Loaded pizza, which is just what it sounds like, pepperoni, sausage, onions, roast peppers…the list goes on and on! All three pies were mouthwatering fresh and the crusts were to die for. As if that wasn’t enough we ended with a dessert sampling that pretty much sent me over the edge, cannoli, tiramisu, pannacotta…all home made. We washed all this deliciousness down with two bottles of Chianti and a glass each of Lambrusco, a slightly sparkling red wine.  An unexpected and surprising find…a true Hell's Kitchen gem. Delicious food, cozy atmosphere and familiar, friendly service. I will be back…very soon!

Capizzi
547 9^th Ave

(@ 40^th St.)

New York, NY 10018

212-695-6900

www.capizzinyc.com

Yummy!

Last night I did something I almost never do. I wanted to try a new restaurant and as I strolled down 20th and 7th after work I passed this charming bistro called Periyali. I decided to just walk in, without even looking at the menu. I was feeling adventurous, the place was packed and I figured taking chances is a good thing. They were booked with reservations so the host (with the most) asked if I minded dining at the bar, something I’m usually not very fond of doing. However, I decided to continue on with my adventure seeking attitude and agreed to dine at the bar (eating a meal at the bar might not sound that adventurous to you…but trust me, it is in the urban jungle I live in!). The host was very accommodating and made up a lovely little place setting for me. However, in a cruel trick of fate, as I opened the menu that was placed in front of me, the first entree I noticed was mousaka, then, grilled lamb…tzatziki…this was a GREEK restaurant! Having just returned from twelve days in the Mediterranean I had to laugh at this ironic twist. I decided to stay anyway since the surroundings were so comfortable and host had been so accommodating. The bartender who served me was incredibly attentive, charming and, of course, Greek…a happy reminder of the lovely people I met during my trip. Of course I had to tell him about my travels and as it turns out he was very familiar with the island of Paros that I visited, and said that he traveled to Paros after he graduated high school. After the host heard I had just returned from Greece he also regaled me with stories from his childhood in Greece and how he dreamed of getting back there soon. It was all very charming. But let’s get back to the real focus…the food. I decided to start with the stuffed eggplant special…to die for! Delicious grilled eggplant stuffed with tomatoes, capers and feta. For my entree I opted for the Souvlaki Fileto, a delicious charcoal grilled filet and vegetable kebab served with a scrumptious Greek rice. I washed it all down with a Greek wine suggested to me by the bartender. The dinner actually ended up being a really great finish to the end of a lovely two weeks of Grecian experiences. My server was charming and curious, the food was absolutely delicious and the quaint space was comfortable and very welcoming. I will definitely be back to Periyali, probably in mid-winter when I’ll need a reminder of island warmth, great food and the welcoming Greek spirit.

Periyali
35 W. 20th St.
New York, NY 10011
212.463.7890

http://www.periyali.com/index.htm

Yummy!

Thanks to an amazing deal through Gilt City (http://www.giltcity.com/) some friends and I enjoyed an incredibly boozy brunch at the super cool hotspot B.E.S. (BOUTIQUE EAT SHOP). Located in West Chelsea on 22nd & 11th in the heart of New York's Gallery District, this super lush and inviting restaurant not only offers knock out cuisine but also a super stylish and artistic environment to enjoy it in. The deal we got through Gilt City included one of the eat shop's signature cocktails; I opted for the Patrick III, an intoxicating blend of Cava, Gin, Grapefruit and Elderflower. The brunch selection was small on choice but big on flavor and presentation. I couldn’t resist the Croque-Madame, a delicious plate served with a romaine and red onion salad drizzled with a delectable Lemoncello dressing. But dare I say the best part of the offer were the two bottles of Prosecco included with the meal. You can’t go wrong with a signature cocktail, a mouth watering meal AND two bottles of Prosecco all while lounging in the incredibly lush and friendly surroundings that B.E.S. effortlessly offers up. I highly recommend this artsy gem!

B.E.S.

BOUTIQUE EAT SHOP

559 W. 22nd St.

New York, NY 10011

212.414.8700

http://www.boutiqueeatshop.com/

Yummy!

My commitment to trying new restaurants continued its successful uphill stride at Artisanal Fromagerie & Bistro. I stumbled across this lovely French bistro through a great offer on villagevines.com and I am happy to report that another great meal was had! First off I love anything with the word ‘Fromagerie’ in it, and this place definitely lives up to that title; boasting a one of a kind “cheese cave” which houses some of world’s finest artisanally-made cheeses. The restaurant, which opened in 2001, is a fabulous Parisian bistro (with a twist) offering up some of the best French bistro food this side of the pond; don’t even get me started on the fondue! Okay, get me started on the fondue, since that’s what we started our meal with. A mouthwatering pot of melted gouda & stout cheeses accompanied with bite size pieces of bread, of course, fresh apples and delicious kielbasa for dipping. It was some of the best fondue I have had in quite some time. After all that cheese I had to go with something on the lighter side, onion soup…topped with more cheese. Oh, come on, when in a French bistro! For my entrée I went with Mussels Frites…absolutely delicious, the broth alone was a meal in itself. After all of that delicious richness, just when I thought I couldn’t take anymore my inner glutton took control over my body and ordered the Profiteroles Sundae for dessert. Since I was already in a cheese coma from the fondue and the soup I take no responsibility for my actions…I didn’t know what I was doing. All I will say is…thank you inner glutton! All in all a great meal in a great space.

Recommendations: You’ve got to try a Fondue Pot, Onion Soup, Mussels Frites…and the ever so powerful Profiteroles Sundae! Wash it all down with a lovely bottle of Sancerre! Yummy!

2 Park Avenue (32nd Street)
New York, NY 10016
Ph: 212.725.8585

http://www.artisanalbistro.com/index.php

Yummy!

It’s all about Ramen in NYC these days, Totto Ramen that is! The NY-restaurant-of-the-moment, Totto Ramen in Hell’s Kitchen, feels like you’re stepping into an authentic back alley noodle house in the heart of Tokyo. This tiny, cramped and steamy eatery with a long bar, where you can watch the ramen magic happen, and four small tables in the back is serving up some of the most flavorful and authentic ramen this side of Mt. Fuji! Long waits, cramped quarters and the feeling that a yakuza boss will bust up the joint at any second is a small price to pay for this delicious soul warming treat! They only serve Sapporo, they only take cash and they only speak Japanese. Arigato, Totto Ramen!

I recommend the Totto Chicken Paitan Ramen…and a Sapporo!

Totto Ramen
366 W. 52nd St. (Btwn 8th & 9th Ave)
New York, NY 10019
212-582-0052

http://tottoramen.com/