Category Archives: Dining
Unwritten Rules of New York City
Found this on Quora – and just had to share it!
Fogo de Chao and VIK Winery
There is nothing better than a fantastic glass of wine with dinner!
We recently visited the Fogo de Chao (pronounced fogo-dee-shown) in River North for their announcement of a new partnership with award-winning Chilean VIK Winery. These VIK wines are only available at Fogo!
The VIK vineyard is affectionately called the “Place of Gold”, offering a variety of unequaled terroir, small microclimates, coastal breezes; giving their wines the complexity sought after to create the best wine in South America.
If you get to Chile, they have an unbelievable hotel and grounds! You can visit the vineyards, the wine spa, hotel and spectacular grounds. (photo to left).
Fogo has partnered with VIK, which is a holistic Chilean vineyard creating world class wines, to offer its award-winning and best in category wines at Fogo de Chão locations nationwide.
These 3 wines join the Wine List:
La Piu Belle, Red Blend, Cachapoal, Chile, 2011
Intense and well-balanced with notes of berries, wildflowers, spices and a touch of oak. Flavor of cranberries, the palate is incredibly fresh, silky smooth, with body and structure.
Milla Cala, Red Blend, Cachapoal, Chile, 2013
Incredibly vibrant red fruit aromas, elegant tannins and incredibly smooth mouth feel. Fresh spices, perfume and berry aromas accented with hints of toast and maple. In the mouth, black cherry and plum are underscored by a hint of black licorice.
VIK, Red Blend, Cachapoal, Chile, 2012
Elegant and balanced wine, dynamic with high precision of tannins and great structure that deliver an exquisite mouth feel. A mixture of aromas, including strawberry, raspberry and vanilla. Spicy and savory dark berry fruit on the tongue, tempered by an elegant structure.
The founders of Fogo de Chão grew up on a traditional Southern Brazilian farm in the Serra Gaucha. It is here that they learned to cook in the churrasco grilling tradition that would become the backbone of their story.
The founding brothers left the quaint, mountainous countryside of Rio Grande do Sul to Rio and São Paulo for formal churrasqueiro training, all while developing the Fogo concept. They had several resturants in brazil before coming to the US. premiere.
At the requests of loyal American guests, the Fogo concept was exported to the U.S. with a stateside debut in Dallas, Texas, in 1997. Between 1997 and 2013, this pioneering churrascaria continued its expansion in Brazil and the U.S. opening 29 new restaurants.
Just before Christmas 2013, Fogo opened a three story, 16,000 square foot flagship location in New York City. The stunning architectural design includes a seventeen foot bas-relief sculpture of Antonio Caringi’s, O Laçador, a historical monument in Porto Alegre, Brazil.
The culinary team has continued the tradition of developing new menu creations rooted in the Brazilian tradition that push forward the Brazilian churrasco experience. In 2013, new seafood dishes were introduced. Later that year, the Bar Fogo concept emerged within Fogo restaurants, introducing guests to new Brazilian-inspired small plates, award-winning wines and cocktails. The culinary team is always testing and tasting new items for possible inclusion.
With the holidays just around the corner, consider Fogo de Chao for a group dining experience!
An elegant Brazilian dining experience presented by their helpful and knowledgeable staff will make Fogo de Chão the perfect location for your group or private dining event. Holiday parties, Corporate events, Lunch and Learn, any celebration!
40 W 53rd St, New York, NY 10019. (212) 969-9980
About Fogo de Chão
Fogo de Chão is a leading Brazilian steakhouse, or churrascaria, which has specialized for more than 37 years in fire-roasting high-quality meats utilizing the centuries-old Southern Brazilian cooking technique of churrasco. Fogo offers guests a wide variety of simply seasoned meats that are carefully fire-roasted to expose their natural flavors. The company was founded in 1979 in Porto Alegre, Brazil, and expanded into the U.S. in 1997. There are currently 47 locations throughout Brazil, the United States, and Mexico, including locations in São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, New York, Chicago, Los Angeles and Mexico City.
Additionally, Fogo offers a gourmet Market Table & Feijoada Bar, which includes seasonal salads, soup, fresh vegetables, feijoada (traditional black bean stew with rice, fresh orange and yuca flour), and much more. Southern Brazilian side dishes such as pão de queijo (warm cheese bread), crispy hot polenta, and caramelized bananas are served family-style. To further complement the dining experience, the restaurant offers an award-winning wine list, tempting dessert menu, and creative and classic cocktails. Guests can also choose between lighter seafood selections, or enjoy the gourmet Market Table only option. For more information, visit Fogo.com, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
For a visual representation of the story of Fogo de Chão, watch “The Gaucho Way,” a documentary-style video shot through the eyes of real Fogo de Chão Brazilian gauchos and explores the restaurant’s deep cultural roots in Southern Brazil.
Limo Service – Where ever You Are
A-List/Midwest Limousine Service.
They will find the perfect vehicle for that special occasion. A-List/Midwest Limousine Service has put together special VIP packages for you. Book your personal, premium limousine in over 500 locations worldwide, irrespective of whether you need a limousine in New York, but also Chicago,California, or overseas.
As well as a first-class, customized service, you and your guests will be provided with an experienced and reliable chauffeur for use around the clock. This chauffeur service is able to reliably coordinate a schedule or route change even if at the last minute, thus saving time, and bringing you, the customer, to your destination punctually.
In renting a limousine from us, you open up a world of possibilities. Our special event service will safely transport you and your business partners in luxurious mini-vans and coaches to trade shows, conventions and festivals. For special occasions like weddings or gala dinners, your luxury stretch limousine wedding car is ready for you from the same category. Of course the excellent chauffeur service is also provided to you by the A-List/Midwest Limousine Service.
Outstanding vehicles from Lincoln MKT, Mercedes, Audi, BMW and Chrysler offer the desired luxury you deserve as a business traveler or celebrity. The A-List/Midwest Limousine Service allows you to experience an uncomplicated but sophisticated way of renting a limousine across the globe – 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Reservation Phone: 800-729-5110
Gay New York and Chick Fil A
I will NEVER eat at Chick Fil A!
But some gay people will eat there, even though a portion of every dollar spent, goes to fighting to the gay community.
One gay boy from New York says, ““But I personally don’t think my money or my going there is me saying I hate gays as well. I don’t think about it like that $7 is going to some foundation to stop gay marriage. For me, it’s just food.”
Chick-fil-A has always displayed its Christian roots with pride, closing its doors every Sunday in observance of the biblical day of rest. But Cathy’s comments — such as “I pray God’s mercy on our generation that has such a prideful, arrogant attitude to think that we have the audacity to define what marriage is about” — brought intense scrutiny to the firm’s history of supporting and donating millions to anti-gay groups, including the Family Research Council and the now-defunct Exodus International, which supported conversion therapy.
But despite the company’s controversial beliefs, some gay New Yorkers are salivating over the chance to get their hands on that iconic chicken sandwich — a savory, juicy fillet with crisp dill pickles on a buttered bun.
Read More at NY POST
Gramercy Tavern Cookbook Farm to Table Recipes
One of the best New York restaurants, a culinary landmark that has
been changing the face of American dining for decades, now shares its
beloved recipes, stories, and pioneering philosophy.
Hospitality Group, which includes Union Square Cafe, Gramercy Tavern,
Blue Smoke, Shake Shack, Union Square Events, The Modern, Maialino,
Untitled, and North End Grill.
become a New York institution earning dozens of accolades, including six
James Beard awards. Its impeccable, fiercely seasonal cooking,
welcoming and convivial atmosphere, and steadfast commitment to
hospitality are unparalleled. The restaurant has its own magic—a sense
of community and generosity—that’s captured in these pages for everyone
to bring home and savor through 125 recipes.
The Gramercy Tavern Cookbook
Thursdays at Sotto 13 Pitchers & Pizza
Thursdays just got better in the West Village! Goodbye summer, Hello Pitchers & Pizza’s…SOTTO13
may be coming to an end but on the upside it means the gym/diet routine
can take a back seat and Pizza & Pitchers can be enjoyed with a bit
less guilt!
Daily News, CBS New York and Manhattan magazine amongst others– it’s
safe to say Sotto 13 knows a thing or two about keeping it’s diners
happy!
Umami Burger Comes To New York City
IT’S HERE! From the West Coast to the East Coast, New York gets its first Umami Burger on Monday, July 29th. A juicy beefy tasty burger with some neat seasonings added make it the best burger around, around to most Californians.
burger and a tuna burger, are some that are special to New York: a duck
burger and a French-dip sandwich.
with a full bar, has waiter service.
New York City Restaurant Week Returns in July
NEW YORK CITY Restaurant Week is coming back in July! The dining event, under the banner
“Summer’s Biggest Week,” offers New Yorkers and visitors 20-plus days of dining deals from July 22 to August 16,
Mondays through Fridays, with Saturdays excluded and Sundays optional.
Guests can enjoy three-course prix-fixe lunches for $25 and three-course
prix-fixe dinners for $38 (excluding beverages, gratuities and taxes).
Diners can begin to make reservations at more than 300 participating
restaurants starting July 8 at
nycgo.com/restaurantweek.
“NYC
Restaurant Week offers visitors and New Yorkers the perfect opportunity
to try a new cuisine and sample the various offerings of New York City’s
finest dining establishments at an affordable
price,” said NYC & Company CEO George Fertitta. “Innovative
programs like NYC Restaurant Week showcase the vibrancy and diversity of
New York City and help spotlight and support one of the City’s most
important industries.”
“Dining is
one of New York City’s most meaningful and compelling experiences,”
says Tracy Nieporent, Chairman of NYC & Company’s Restaurant
Committee. “NYC Restaurant Week brings together a community
of restaurants inspired to offer our guests the quality, variety and
hospitality that makes New York City the dining capital of the world.”
NYC Restaurant Week, the first and largest dining program of its kind,
was created in 1992 for the Democratic National Convention in New York
City.
The popular program supports
the City’s thriving restaurant industry, which employs more than
200,000 people and grosses annual sales exceeding $12 billion. New
York City offers more dining options than most states do, boasting
24,000 restaurants and food service establishments.
Consumers’
enthusiasm for the program remains strong. According to OpenTable,
approximately 210,000 diners were seated though online reservations
during the Winter 2013 promotion, generating over
$6 million to participating restaurants. In addition, reservations via
mobile device increased by 65% over the Winter 2012 promotion.
A full list of the summer participants will be available when reservations open on July 8 at
nycgo.com/restaurantweek.
New Yorks CENTER Garden Party 30 Kicks Off Pride Week at Pier 84
| Annual Tasting Event Partners with ZAGAT to Celebrate Pride and Support the LGBT Community Center Programs and Services |
|
| WHO | Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center Board of Directors and Executive Director Glennda Testone invite you to Garden Party 30. |
| WHAT | Garden Party brings you A Taste of Pride curated by ZAGAT and featuring presenting sponsor Prudential with 40 restaurants and culinary destinations offering samples from their delicious menus. |
| WHEN | Monday, June 24, 2013 General Admission 6-10 p.m. |
| WHERE | Hudson River Park’s Pier 84 West Side Highway at 44th Street New York, NY |
| How to Purchase Tickets: Tickets are available at www.gaycenter.org/gardenparty. |
|
| MORE | Friends and supporters of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center (the Center) will gather on June 24 for Garden Party 30, the Center’s annual tasting event. Kick off Pride Week with over 1,500 supporters and foodies at our new location on Pier 84. Garden Party is the only LGBT tasting festival in the country. Guests will watch the sun set over the Hudson River while enjoying an open bar and bidding on delicious dining packages in the silent auction. Proceeds from Garden Party 30 support the Center’s life-enhancing and |
Sotto 13 in New Yorks West Village Hotspot for Social Brunch
should have) about sharing. Sharing is also a fundamental part of eating. Whether
you’re having Sunday dinner at home with family or you’re out at the new
Italian place with friends, the act of sharing food comes into play
early and often in a meal.
and some cocktails in a fun atmosphere with friends – or meeting some
new ones. Small plates, pizza and pastas are designed to share a
variety of tastes along with their signature, fresh cocktails or some
wine.
Located in a landmark brownstone in the West Village of NYC, 140 W 13th Street, between 6th & 7th Avenues.
This is not their only specialty Sotto’s brunch has NYC’s first ever ‘DIY Prosecco Bar’! The concept allows Brunchers to become their own mixologists with a bottle of prosecco and a tray of five mixers, including signature fresh juices, liqueurs and toss ins like candied ginger, fresh berries and more. Guests can use the provided recipe card or freestyle it to craft their own bubbly brunch cocktails.”
It’s been called best new sexy spot, best date night restaurant, best atmosphere, best Italian food sharing, and more! Even Yelpers, a tough crowd to please, consistently give Sotto 13, 4 and 5 stars!
So what are you waiting for? If you haven’t checked out Sotto 13 yet, make a reservation now!
(212) 647-1001 Sotto 13 And I will see you there!
New York’s Most Expensive Dishes!
I think I would pay $1,000 for a caviar pizza before I would spend $1,000 on a hot fudge sundae.
truffle-crusted novelty dishes, and thankfully, there are plenty of
these creations on menus throughout New York City. Here’s a map of 10 extremely expensive dishes in NYC.
New Yorks Gay Valentine Boat Cruise
Who said February had to be cold. Set sail on New York City’s Hottest
Gay Harbor Cruise this Valentine’s Day. Bring your sweetheart or find a
new one on this 3 hour floating dance party.
Toast to love or lust
with an open bar of premium liquor and free shots of Cupid Juice served
to you by Cupid’s little helpers. Passed appetizers, a decadent dessert
bar, wine & chocolate tastings by Ayza Wine & Chocolate Bar,
and the most amazing views of New York City’s skyline make this one
“cruise” you won’t forget.
- 3 Hour Evening Heated Cruise Around Manhattan Harbor
- DJ Performance
- Passed hors d’oeuvres
- Open Bar with Premium Liquor
- Dessert
- 21 and Over
BOOK NOW ONLINE!
Big Gay Ice Cream Shop Opens Today!
In summer of 2009,
BIG GAY ICE CREAM truck
made a splash onto the streets of NYC.
TODAY, BIG GAY ICE CREAM SHOP opens at 125 East 7th street!
The store’s opening festivities, will take place from noon till 5 p.m., and will be “full of weirdness.” – says one of its owners!
Although he doesn’t want to publicize the details yet, we can say that if all goes according to plan, Saturday will indeed be delightfully weird.
VILLAGE VOICE got the scoop on the opening menu! The opening menu will feature cucumber-lime rainbow paletas (paletas are new rage in desserts) from La Newyorkina, treats from the Treats Truck, Danny Macaroons’ peanut butter cup, salted caramel, and plain macaroons, and three ice cream sandwiches from Melt Bakery: the Classic (vanilla ice cream and chocolate chip-walnut cookies), the Lovelet (cream cheese ice cream and red velvet whoopie pie), and the Rue McClanahan (bourbon ice cream with praline-pecan cookies).
Normal Hours of operation will be noon until 10 p.m. daily, and noon until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.
WIN a FREE Restaurant.com Gift Certificate in New York City
It’s hard to talk about NEW YORK – with its vibrant architecture, music, culture and history – without mentioning New York restaurants.
From deep dish pizza to hot dogs, steaks to pasta, NEW YORK is known as one of the top food cities in the world. If you’re on the lookout for great New York restaurants and a roster of nearly every cuisine from A-Z, RESTAURANT.com has you covered. They have New York restaurant gift certificates for your family, friends, coworkers and, of course, yourself, with AMAZING SAVINGS. They have been satisfying hungry diners of all ages for years with New York restaurant discounts that are easy to obtain and use.
Why do they do it? Because they are passionate about food and drink, especially when local restaurants make them available at affordable prices.
GET SOME FREE FOOD, ON US!
We’re doing a little survey this month.
Where do you like to eat? French? Funky? 1 star or 5 star?
Leave us a comment and tell us your fave spot.
WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU?
How about a FREE $25 Restaurant.com gift certificate?
We’ll select one random winner on JULY 20th – from all the comments submitted.
(make sure you leave us your email, that is how we will contact you – we are NOT collecting email address for a mailing list , not to worry. )
BestGayNewYork.com
39 Year Old ONE IF BY Land Still Top Romantic Restaurant in New York City
Thirty Nine years, and still one of the most romantic, 5 star restaurants in New York City! The landmark One if By Land, Two if By Sea, at 17 Barrow Street.
Strolling down Barrow street, you feel like you are on a movie set. It’s classic West Village.
Behind barn doors of the 18-century carriage house, you would never guess sat a classic restaurant. But as soon as you enter, you see a fireplace, you hear the bar-side pianist, chandeliers sparkle, fresh flowers everywhere, and you can just feel the vintage New York romance. There is a powerful, romantic resonance when you step into this restaurant. It is both visually and aurally stunning: beautifully-decorated from floor to ceiling.
Sometimes new and hot, are not always good. Nuevo cuisine and molecular gastronomy can be fun and exciting – but sometimes I want the tried and true. And One If By Land, ALWAYS delivers.
5 star
French and American standards. I love the BIG-EYE TUNA TARTARE with sesame leaf, cucumber, and spring citrus. It melts on your tongue. The FETTUCINE CARBONAR is famous. PAN SEARED SCALLOPS, always a winner. Salads so beautiful, you don’t want to eat them. The Beef Wellington and soufflés are amazing. I have never had anything bad here.
Dessert is always a wonderful ending. BLACK FOREST COMPOSITION is my favorite. I think.(!) A Chocolate pistachio brownie and vanilla rum Bavarian cream, served in a bowl. Pastry Chef Dean Anderson has worked in fine restaurants around the world. His “Sesame-Apricot” dessert was a finalist at the 2009 Pastry Scoop Golden Scoop Awards in the “Most Innovative Dessert” category.
The restaurant has a new executive chef, Colt Taylor, whose resume includes Le Bernardin and Gotham Steak in Miami. Don’t expect a lot of changes – but some items on the new menu include spring garlic bisque; rabbit leg confit and morel mushrooms, asparagus and and lemon thyme; and his spin on the classic signature beef Wellington with baby vegetables, foie gras and bordelaise.
Colt believes in sourcing locally, using the freshest and highest quality ingredients available.
“My goal is to create a delicious and unique portrayal of the the Northeastern Terroir for every customer
who dines with us. I am particularly fond of simple, rustic, French cuisine.”
The son of Connecticut artist and fresco painter Melissa Barbieri, Colt grew up on the shoreline and
was exposed early on to the beauty of the arts. Throughout his growing years he discovered he had a
talent for understanding flavors and a love for the kitchen. While obtaining a degree in Business from
UVM, he cooked his way through school, furthering his education and experience. Upon graduating, and
uncertain of a career path, Colt left for Europe and spent several months learning in kitchens around
Austria, Italy, and France. It was on this trip that he came across one of the defining moments of his
young career: local wild boar with gruyere and tagliatelli. “To have such simple food abounding with
depth and flavor, so fresh and so harmonious, I knew this was the food that I wanted to create.”
A very romantic atmosphere is achieved by the soft piano music and lovely garden view. This is one of New York’s most romantic restaurants, hands down. Prepare yourself for a very special evening. It’s a great spot for a special occasion dinner with the one you love. You won’t soon forget the lovely atmosphere, the glow of the fireplace and the soft sounds of the baby grand piano surrounding you.
The prices may a bit high for some budgets ($100 per person) but if you want to be treated to an unbelievable romantic setting and outstanding delicious food, this is one of the best of the best. It’s a great “special occasion” restaurant. And great for celebrity spotting. Julia Roberts, Patrick Stewart and Glenn Close have enjoyed hosting parties here.
One if by Land Two if by Sea
17 Barrow st. bet 4th and 7th ave south 212-647-9280
INSIDER TIPs! In celebration of their 39th Anniversary, the restaurant is offering a complimentary gift card worth $30 off dinner for two. E-mail info@oneifbyland.com with your street address and they will mail you a gift card.
On Sundays – check out the JAZZ BRUNCH , 11:30am to 2:00pm.
only $25.00 per person. Egg white Spring Souffle’, Gravlox, Omlettes and Eggs Arcardia!
See brunch menu for details.
BestGayNewYork.com
CHOCOLATE FEST SATURDAY April 30th
Bucks County Chocolate Show
SATURDAY April 30 10am – 4pm
Eagle Fire Company 46 N. Sugan Road, New Hope, PA
Chocolatiers and Gourmet foods…
High quality products with fresh flavors and local ingredients.
Artisanal products to sample and buy. Demos to learn the latest trends.
MORE INFO – see you there!
BestGayNewYork.com
New York Desserts….with Booze
dessert with my booze??
We’ll let the Europeans bicker over who first doused their dessert with booze. Was it the Irish, soaking fruitcake in whiskey? The Italians with their mocha “pick-me-up”, Tiramisù? Or the French, lighting cherries on fire in honour of Queen Victoria’s Jubilee? All we know is that they had the right idea.
People love eating dessert and drinking alcohol. For this reason, many of the city’s top restaurants are making decadent, sweet treats that also have a serious, boozy kick. Here’s a map of 10 liquored-up desserts — some use fine spirits as a flavoring more than anything else, others might actually get you totally tanked!
See the top 10 winners at NY EATER .
see also Cooking with BOOZE !
Best Gay New York.com
Restaurant Deals and Discounts All Over New York City
We just found the newest
Restaurant Discount Club!
It’s called VILLAGE VINES .
“VillageVines gives food lovers access to preferred pricing with their city’s most popular restaurants. We make your dining experiences more convenient and more affordable, and we do so by partnering with the best dining establishments – from the restaurant icons to the up and coming gems.”
Here’s how it works:
- Each day we highlight a handful of restaurants from among our carefully curated list of the best spots in your city
- You choose where to dine and use us to make your party’s reservation before the offer expires
- You pay $10 to secure your exclusive pricing (typically 30% off your party’s entire bill – food and drink!)
- Your discount is applied to your bill at meal’s end – no coupons, no phone calls and no hassles!
How cool is that?
Check out Village Vines today !
New York City For Free with The Skint
TWO underemployed friends
used to tip each other off to cool bargains
and free goodies they’d hear about.
Now they are shared with the city at THE SKINT.
the skint proves you don’t need to be rich to enjoy the best of the city.
You would think FREE would be hard to find in New York City! As one of the most expensive cities where almost everything seems costly, the Big Apple is anything but cheap. The Skint however undercovers lots of FREE and CHEAP.
Visitors can find listings for free and cheap things to buy, see, do and eat in NYC. You can opt-in to get the deals by email, texted to you, or twittered.
It’s a great resource for finding bargains – my only complaint is I found it hard to dig through there archives.
Check it out!
