Where to enjoy the best NYC Smoothies this summer! #DrinkMNYE

New York City's warm temperatures require smoothies...

 

Smoothie history is intrinsic in the US DNA. Back in the 30s health food stores started selling puréed fruit drinks in the West Coast and, by the 60s and 70s, these shakes were the darlings of the East Coast. When strolling in the New York streets it’s a must to carry around a large beverage to sip. It’s either coffee, water or a smoothie.

So to feel like a true New Yorker here are the places to try out the best smoothies in town:

9 FUEL GRILL & JUICE BAR (683 9th Avenue)

If you’re hypoglycemic the bliss haven set in Hell’s Kitchen is the place where you should fuel your body. This Juice Bar’s menu of beverages seems to actually indicate what smoothies best fit your needs. From the Diabetes Helper, to the Muscle Fuel, from the Acne Solver to the Hangover Killer, fruits and vegetables get mashed in an elixir for your well-being.  

8 UPTOWN VEG JUICE BAR (14 East 125th Street)

The number one vegetarian restaurant  in Harlem is a family owned business that has been providing its customers with a healthy diet for over 17 years. The fresh-pressed juices and smoothies are popular amongst uptowners, especially their Green Juice, which is a combination of celery, parsley, spinach, cucumber, broccoli, watercress.

7 DIG INN (150 East 52nd Street)

If you’re digging it with healthy lifestyle, go Inn! The creed of Dig Inn (in all six locations) is that everyone deserves to eat well, even on a budget. That is the reason why they decided to democratize the farm-to-table movement offering vegan selections at fair prices. If you have a sweet tooth, you will love the chocolate smoothie made with organic cacao, fresh whole banana, dates, organic soy milk, and agave nectar.  

6 BLOSSOM DU JOUR (259 West 23rd Street)

The name and ambiance seem to weld East and West, thanks to Pamela Elizabeth who established Blossom Du Jour as an alternative to fast food. All vegan recipes are delicious and nutritious, healthy, eco-conscious and enlightening on the benefits you may gain by detoxing through juice cleansing. 

5 LIQUITERIA (170 Second Avenue)

The original location set in the East village has become ever so popular that it branched out in other locations around Union Square and the West Village. So what is it that makes smoothies and juices so popular here? Juices are packed with easily digestible raw vitamins, minerals and enzymes from fresh fruits and vegetables, flooding your body with wholesome nutrition and the nourishment you crave. 

4 JUICE PRESS (156 Prince Street)

Thirteen locations all over New York City demonstrate how good Juice Press is. What is the trick? Being organic and cold pressing juice to maintain the solid pulp, which is then pressed by the hydraulic press. The variety of flavors is unbelievable: there are 59 unique bottled beverages and 23 superfood smoothies. My favorite? The ginger fireball that is also great for the immune system.

3 D’VIDA (11 Madison Avenue)

You will be truly Living D’Vida Loca when exiting this health bar. The wide assortment of fresh fruit smoothies, will satisfy your thirst for freshness. But you can also indulge in a  healthy guilty pleasure, trying their frozen yogurt, sweet shakes or baked goods.

2 ORGANIC AVENUE (116 Suffolk Street)

You may find an Organic Avenue store all over the Big Apple, since it’s the premier plant-based retailer in the US. It truly inspires healthy living, that will “Feed Your Brain” as their motto says. The revolutionary must try is their energizing Matcha, that contains caffeine, but as a result of unique phytonutrients, that basically kick into your system less traumatically than coffee but still set you running. The Matcha Latte  and Revival Smoothie contain this chlorophyll derived ingredient that helps oxygenation and balances the blood’s pH.

1 JUICE GENERATION (Grand Central)

Grand Central is just one of the main locations of this extraordinary juice realm, created by Eric Helms, back in 1999. His mission is expanding across Manhattan - through 15 stores and counting - to promote a lifestyle movement and sustainability. For instance Juice Generation is part of the Green Restaurant Association and participates to New York’s Food Waste Challenge. Not only are the juices top-notch, but the philosophy promoted by Helms has made Juice Generation the epitome of juicing expertise all over the media.

Want Barcelona style tapas? | BOQUERIA SOHO (3/4) #EatWithART

I like Spanish food. And no, I’m not talking about Mexican food, it’s different. I like that too. And yes, Mexican food is not same as Tex-Mex… Anyways, before I go off the tangent… Let’s go back to Spanish food. Our New York City happens to have some very good Spanish tapas bars, and I’ll definitely say Boqueria is one of those.

On a warm-ish NYC day, my stroll to get there for lunch was quite nice, it’s in the cool SOHO neighborhood. And the place is nice, modern with a very warm and welcoming environment. The server was also very warm, informative and nice. So far, so good!

The menu offers a wide variety of tapas style dishes which can be ordered alone or shared for the table. On average you may need 3-4 tapas dishes for one person. Oh, just in case you didn’t know tapas means, it is small snack style dishes, not full meal. But it’s cool, as you can order many and enjoy many dishes. The prices are not ridiculous either; it’s on the moderate side. The menu also has American style full entrees. The servers are nice, friendly and will explain whatever you may need.

I ordered Cojonudo (Fried quail eggs and chorizo on toast), Albóndigas (Lamb meatballs, tomato sauce, sheep’s milk cheese), Moruno y Salsa Verde (Grilled lamb, salsa verde, pickled shallots, rustic baguette). All 3 were delicious, and served pretty quick (10-15 mins). Lamb was tender and very well marinated. The meatballs had great seasoning too. Although by serving all 3 together, some of the things got cold. But it was still pretty good… And yes, they can make omelet from quail eggs. I have tried, it is kinda hard!

So, if you like Spanish food, or you like tapas, you like flavourful fun food, or you just want to try, this is that place. Enjoy!

For more details, check out their site below
http://www.boquerianyc.com/soho.html

How to eat like a real Italian in the City #EatMNYE

Food Eataly NY

As an Italian (born and raised in the boot-shaped land) living in New York, I must say the Big Apple is one of the places where you can enjoy the best food. No matter the nationality of the cuisine, you will always find what you are looking for. It’s a real haven for those who, like myself, are what they call back in my country “a good fork” (i.e. a good appetite). But please bare in mind that certain Italian-American dishes have nothing to do with Italy!

Let’s begin with spaghetti and meatballs: this is truly an invention of the star&striped country. In Italy we do have “ragù” which is similar to the so called Bolognese sauce, but it’s blasphemy for an Italian to see the first course in the same plate as the second course.

Moving on: fettuccine Alfredo, have never been - and probably never will be - part of Italy’s typical dishes, just as pasta with chicken or veal chicken parmigiana. A true Italian would twitch his nose in disdain at the idea of putting those ingredients together.

Nevertheless once you have acknowledged the difference, it isn’t impossible to eat like a true Italian in New York. If you want to cook yourself a meal at home, the places to go food shopping are Eataly (200 Fifth Avenue) and Buonitalia in the Chelsea Market (75 9th Avenue). Whereas if you are in the mood for a romantic dinner date or a fun lunch with friends, Piccolo Café has several locations in Manhattan which will guarantee you a true Italian tasting experience.

But a very curious experience I have come across, while gourmandizing in the City, is that New York’s pizza is the best on earth! In Italy the most delicious Neapolitan pizza will never be as scrumptious as the one in the Big Apple, no matter if it’s a 99 cents slice you nibble walking down the street, or whether it’s a pie served in a sleek venue. Some say it’s because of the quality of New York’s water, that welds with the ingredients so wonderfully, and yet the mystery still remains unsolved. Is there any foodie out there who can solve the enigma?

NEW YORK - GET YOUR "EAT ON" for Valentine's Day! #EatMNYE #LWDYK

I am hungry! Hungry! Hungry!  But I don’t know what I want, and once I zero in on the type of cuisine, I don’t know what part of the island has the best in my modest price range. Help!

The sentiment listed above is echoed throughout the city!  Pretty much all day, you are witness to hungry people checking the plethora of apps trying to give that exact information, to help squash those aching hunger pains!

Since February 14th is fast racing and it’s the time for “lovers” and dates, dates, dates — I am searching for that perfect spot that might fit most pockets.

So my count down begins.  In reverse.

 

 

The Little Owl — Cost: $58

It’s called “little” for a reason. It’s only 28-seats (West Village) and regulars know to “mark” the day and to call 45 days ahead.

90 Bedford St.; 212-741-4695

RedFarm—Cost: $53

There are thousands of places to get Chinese food but to find good Chinese food, that is something to share. So, if  you enjoy great dim sum and “innovative” locavore cooking, this nosy place can work.  Not great for a first date unless you don’t want to chit chat. Great if you just want to eat!

529 Hudson St.; 212-792-9700

Jewel Bako—Cost: $80

If your date has money, say yes to this one!  Yummmy to the tummy.  It’s located in the East Village. Japanese fish and very fresh.  

239 E. Fifth St.; 212-979-1012

Rose Water—Cost: $47

Park Slope does not disappoint.  It’s fine and cozy and consistent.  

787 Union St., Brooklyn; 718-783-3800

Il Buco—Cost: $63

Pricey but a great wine selection.  Pricey. It’s Med-Italian fare and it’s very good for group dinners.  

47 Bond St.; 212-533-1932

Bocelli Restaurant—Cost: $50

Tuscan decor, this Grasmere Italian “definitely stands out” and it’s in Staten Island; reservations are a must on weekends.

1250 Hylan Blvd., Grasmere; 718-420-6150

Good Fork—Cost: $46

Brace yourself. It’s rough Red Hook but the food is seriously good and Asian-accented.

391 Van Brunt St., Brooklyn; 718-643-6636

Dovetail—Cost: $81

It’s expensive but the famous $52 ‘Sunday suppa’ is a “special treat.”

103 W. 77th St.; 212-362-3800

Wolfgang's Steakhouse—Cost: $79

No need to explain.  It’s succulent meat. 

Multiple locations

Dirt Candy—Cost: $50

Clever, tasty and complexvegetarian dishes that make you happy that you choose veggies.  East Village knows how to make leafy stuff swing!

430 E. Ninth St.; 212-228-7732

Bianca — Cost: $33

Hearty.  Plentiful. Bargain driven.  Therefore crowded. Go early!

5 Bleecker St.; 212-260-4666

Wallsé—Cost: $78

Vienna calling. Answer. Modern Austrian fare is waiting and there is "artwork by Julian Schnabel/”

344 W. 11th St.; 212-352-2300

Scarpetta — Cost: $75

If he/she is buying and your downtown — ok — it’s gosh, darn good spaghetti and “elegantly simple” dishes.

355 W. 14th St.; 212-691-0555

Piccolo Angolo—Cost: $47

The owner, Renato Migliorini, puts “heart and soul” into his West Village joint. He cares and it shows on the plate. 

Insiders know to  reserve ahead—now you know too!

621 Hudson St.; 212-229-9177

Keens Steakhouse—Cost: $76

MAD MEN old school with an outstanding scotch selection and thousands of antique clay pipes adorning the ceiling.

Old school means circa-1885 and it’s known for it’s detail to service. 

72 W. 36th St.; 212-947-3636

Marc Forgione—Cost: $72

The menu is crafted by Iron Chef Marc Forgione and therefore it’s crowded and people leave happy!

A “perfect date” place – just book far ahead

134 Reade St.; 212-941-9401

Taïm—Cost: $13

This is a hidden jewel in the West Village.  Vegetarian Israeli draws “100-mile-long” lines.

Multiple locations

ABC Kitchen—Cost: $59

Jean-Georges Vongerichten and chef Dan Kluger’s organic sourcing and farm-to-table approach makes this a worthy trip!

35 E. 18th St.; 212-475-5829

Rooftop Beer garden: Tavern29 (3/4)

It’s almost May and it’s still cold in NYC. And it sucks. Otherwise this will be perfect time to be going to rooftop bars and even better, beer gardens! However, it’ still not too bad of a time, to grab your beer under the sky. Although surrounded by buildings, and no real view, except the sky. After all it’s NYC, and this place will not really burn a hole in your pocket, so you have to expect that. I'm talking about Tavern29 at 47 East 29th street b/t Madison Ave & S Park Ave.

It’s quite rustic looking with exposed bricks, wooden touches, dark-ish lighting, but it’s cool. There are 3 floors including rooftop/terrace, so there’s enough space. I was there over weekday evening, and it was pretty full. Not over crowded, but cool. They have a decent collection of many different well priced beers. They had some good NITRO stout. The place has a full menu for lunch, dinner and snacks. Pizza was nice and really good dips. So you can enjoy eating with drinking, under the sky!

They also do Bottomless Boozy Brunch, which you may want to try.

For more info, checkout their site:

http://tavern29.com/beer-menu/

Sant Ambroeus from Milan to the Big Apple

The best place to experience Milanese cuisine in New York has an intriguing history...

If you happen to be from Milan (like myself) it is impossible for you to ignore the city’s patron saint, even if you aren't religious. Sant’Ambrogio - aka Sant Ambroeus in Milanese dialect - became bishop of Milan in the year 374, by popular demand, and ended up running the city for 20 years. He was a skilled demagogue and orator and is still tributed today on December 7th. One of the most beautiful churches in Milan was named after him and was tributed in a poem by the Italian 19th century poet Giuseppe Giusti [who by the way happened to have a love affair with my ancestor, Isabella Rossi Gabardi Brocchi].

Hence, Sant’Ambrogio is all over: in trivia, in history and he truly embodies the milanese essence, that is why one of the most sophisticated pastries in the Italian fashion capital was named after him. Sant Ambroeus Caffé was founded in 1936 by a couple of pastry chefs who had trained in Paris during the enticing period of la Belle Epoque. They decided to open a pastry café close to the opera house La Scala and to name it after the great bishop of Milan. The  celebrated pasticceria and confetteria quickly became the meeting place for the local intelligentsia, who would enjoy the legendary cappuccino and cornetto at Sant Ambroeus.

Since the 20th century’s intellectual and artistic cream of the crop found utmost expression in the Big Apple, the Sant’Ambroeus trademark could not but establish itself in New York City. And so it did. Where? All over the island and beyond! Sant Ambroeus can be found in the West Village, on Madison Avenue, in SoHo, at Lowes Regency Hotel and even in Southampton.

The stars and stripes version of Sant’Ambroeus takes the traditional coffee shop a step further, expanding it to restaurant, Italian enoteca, and haven of traditional Milanese cuisine. But it remains faithful to its original identity, being the the hub of uptown clientele, creating a true neighborhood meeting place, where you can enjoy the best Italian coffee and pastries in town.

Give your taste buds a summer Treat - with mynewyorkeye!

myNewYorkeye suggests that you Save the Date, June 1st and get your taste buds ready - because its time to Taste (of) Times Square!

  • When: June 1, 2015
  • Where: Starts at W. 46th St. & Broadway
  • At Pedestrian Plazas 

Spring is trying it’s best to arrive despite the cold rain and light flurries. The creative people at the Times Square Alliance is already gearing up for summer programming. To Kick off the summer season go to Taste of Times Square, where a selection of the neighbourhood's best restaurants will offer their finest tastes from around the globe. New York City musicians will entertain the crowd as they sample from booths on W. 46th St. from Broadway to 9th Ave., including Restaurant Row.

#TasteTSq