Big Apple Life

A collection of posts on Life in the Big Apple along with interviews with foodie friends

Donna Margarita, Upper East Side, NYC

Donna Margarita is a small Italian trattoria one that I had been to before after an event at Streicker when we were still meeting in person. Oddly, it was the friend whose birthday we were celebrating who I was with. We had our meal in four courses, starting with their namesake pizza, the Margarita, topped with mozzarella, San Marzano tomato sauce and a few basil leaves ( $18). Next, we shared their linguine alle vongole, pasta with white clam sauce ($28) and garlicky broccoli-rabe ($10), followed by tender eggplant parmigiana ($25). Since we were celebrating a birthday, we ended our meal with a cheesecake cupcake topped with a lit candle [...]

By |2021-02-14T08:08:16-05:00February 2nd, 2021|Big Apple Life|0 Comments
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NYC Installations: Doors for Doris, Doris C. Freedman Plaza, Central Park, NYC

One walk to the southeast corner of Central Park was to see Doors for Doris an art installation presented by the Public Art Fund.  This installation created from a collection of discarded marble remnants from various renovation projects and stone yards around the city examines how our culture values and utilizes materials. Sam Moyer (b. 1983, Chicago, IL) created a massive three-part sculpture, with a title that pays homage to Public Art Fund founder, Doris C. Freedman (1928-1981). The three-part sculpture made from stone marks the threshold between Central Park’s boulder-filled terrain and Midtown Manhattan’s built environment. The polished stones contain the markings and shapes of their original uses. They [...]

By |2021-02-01T11:49:19-05:00January 30th, 2021|Other happenings|0 Comments
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An Octopus Tasting at Taverna Kyclades, East Village, NYC

My friend was on a quest for the best octopus in the city; many articles mentioned Taverna Kyclades in the East Village as one of the best. She planned to stop by and buy a gift certificate for her themed "octopus" present for a friend. We decided to sit and sample their charcoal-grilled octopus ($24.95) before heading to dinner, enjoying a glass of Moschofilero, Mantinia, Greece ($10) with it. She opted not to buy that certificate as the octopus was merely okay, nothing special. The staff, though, was lovely, even serving both of us galaktoboureko (semolina custard baked in filo) gratis. Taverna Kyclades East Village 228 1st Avenue New York, [...]

By |2022-08-20T14:08:44-04:00January 20th, 2021|Big Apple Life, NYC Restaurant Reviews|0 Comments
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NYC Installations: King Nyani in Bella Abzug Park, Hudson Yards

Destinations give my city walks a purpose. And so I've begun walking to the various art installation around the city. After my visit, I upload my photos on Instagram, which post to my Twitter and Facebook accounts. Seeing these musings, my friend and theatre critic Sandi Durrell (TheaterPizzazz) wrote asking me to pen an article about my explorations during COVID for her site. "Nothing keeps a wanderer like you down!" And so with this article, I'm introducing a new feature about the free art installations around the Big Apple. The first one is King Nyani (Swahili for “gorilla”),  a gigantic bronze gorilla statue (the largest in the world, in fact!) located [...]

By |2021-11-02T07:24:53-04:00January 17th, 2021|Big Apple Life, NYC Restaurant Reviews, Other happenings|0 Comments
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Seafood at Seamore’s, Chelsea, NYC + Artechouse

We chose Seamore's Chelsea location to meet for a bite as it was a couple of blocks from Archethouse where we were going to see "Submerge - with classic blue with the Pantone color of the year 2020," a display open through January 3, 2020. I started with their unusual Fig Old Fashioned made with Buffalo Trace bourbon, caramelized fig syrup and angostura bitters ($16). My friend sipped a glass of Chardonnay ($15) from Macari, North Fork, Long Island, 2016. We both ordered their Maine lobster rolls ($28), an oblong (hot dog) bun stuffed with lobster held together with only a soupçon of mayo sprinkled with chives. My dining partner [...]

By |2021-01-19T14:38:17-05:00January 7th, 2021|Big Apple Life, Rambling|0 Comments
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Warm Soup after Bryant Park Holiday Mart, NYC

My ex-expat group has traditionally had a December outing to visit one of the city's many holiday shops followed by our holiday luncheon.  This year was a tad different. Ten of us met and shopped at the Bryant Park Holiday Mart 2020, open through January 3rd, 2021. Because of the pandemic, we didn't plan a luncheon. Three of us brave soles ate outside (yes, outside) at Bryant Park Grill, after asking them to turn on the gas heaters. When the server requested our drink order,  I thought a second, then asked if they could make an Irish Coffee ($15) to both warm my innards and hands! That sparked one friend's [...]

By |2021-01-03T08:38:08-05:00December 28th, 2020|Big Apple Life|0 Comments
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Yoon Haeundae Galbi, Koreatown, NYC

COVID-19 is getting me to discover neighborhoods to dine when looking for a halfway place to meet uptown friends. This time we stumpled upon Yoon Haeundae Galbi in Koreatown, a place I'd recommend for lunch. We started with their huge steamed Galbi dumplings ($13 for four) filled with ground short rib, chives and tofu. Almost a meal in itself. We each smartly chose one of their lunch specials. One friend had the grilled mackerel ($20) while I had the sirloin bulgogi ($22), with us both choosing flavorful hot kimchi stew as our accompaniment. My other friend chose the galbi bibimbap in the hot stone bowl ($18) with marinated short rib [...]

By |2021-01-03T08:34:41-05:00December 24th, 2020|Big Apple Life, Rambling|0 Comments
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Times Square Meal at Lillie’s Victorian, NYC

The Times Square location of Lillie's Victorian is on 49th Street, which used to be a bustling area filled with theatres goers. Sadly no longer. We met there as it was a half-way point between downtown and the Upper East Side to grab a bite. We, of course, started with cocktails. I sipped my very smoky Old Fashioned ($15); my friend their Writers Block ($15), consisting of cucumber-infused Vodka, Elderflower with a splash of seltzer. We shared their traditional Caesar Salad ($14) and then Lillie's half-pound cheeseburger from a certified Angus beef blend that came with fries ($17.50). We changed to their Parmesan ones (+$2). Loved that they cut the [...]

By |2020-12-19T14:34:36-05:00December 21st, 2020|Big Apple Life, Rambling|0 Comments
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Dos Caminos, SoHo, NYC

Being in the mood for Mexican, I met a friend at Dos Caminos at the corner of Houston and West Broadway in SoHo. The Cadilac margarita with Espolon Resposado tequila with Grand Marnier and lime juice ($16) was quite tasty and not too sweet. We enjoyed that with their made-to-order guacamole with a trio of salsas — salsa verde, roasted tomato & habañero — and warm corn tortilla chips ($17, small). We were off to a good start until I headed to the restroom. I was appalled to see how filthy it was at the start of the weekend at 6 pm on a Friday. I can only imagine what [...]

By |2020-12-19T14:55:43-05:00December 14th, 2020|Big Apple Life, Rambling|0 Comments
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Central Park Walk then A Bite at Eats, Upper East Side, NYC

After a stroll through Central Park, we walked over to Lexington to grab a bite at Eats, an American bistro. We sat outside under their tent to block some of the wind and near a heater to keep warm. My dining accompanied enjoyed the EATS vodka mule  ($15) and I had a Bulliet Old Fashioned ($15). We each ordered their lamb burger ($23) medium-rare served topped with fresh Pico de Gallo on a toasted pretzel bun.  My lamb was tasty even though it was overcooked.  ( For the best lamb burger, go to  L'Express in the Gramercy-Flatiron area.) Both being fry lovers, we had asked for ours slightly well done. [...]

By |2020-12-19T14:54:00-05:00December 12th, 2020|Big Apple Life, Rambling|0 Comments
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Breakfast at Oscar’s Place, West Village

One COVID silver-lining is that neighborhood restaurants are on the rise.  Oscar's Place, in the West Village, is one of them. It's not a place to see or be seen. Instead, it's a place to dine outside without the crowds. Simple, decent food. We each had Oscar's Classic English Breakfast ($19.95) with eggs. I had mine poached; my dining partner scrambled. That came with crisp bacon, Myer's pork sausage, sauteed mushrooms, fried tomatoes and baked beans. The menu stated Amy's bread but instead, we were served plain sliced bread ($1.25) with butter and jam.  My friend ordered a glass of orange juice ($5.75). I'd recommend it for an away from [...]

By |2020-12-19T14:46:02-05:00December 8th, 2020|Big Apple Life, Rambling|0 Comments
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Returned to Pera, Midtown East, NYC

I first dined at Pera Midtown ten years ago; since then I've been dining at and enjoying their SoHo location. ​I met a friend who had just moved back to the city; the restaurant was about halfway. We shared a bottle of Cortese, Moncalvi Gavi di Gavi, Piedmont, Italy ($45) while nibbling a few apps.  We started with the Pera dip trio ($17) that oddly was served with fried pita chips instead of their soft and warm traditional bread. Disappointing. Also not up to par was their spicy pepper “muammara” with marinated pepper paste, roasted bell peppers and walnuts as the nuts had turned rancid. Our waiter replaced that with [...]

By |2020-12-07T15:59:59-05:00December 6th, 2020|Big Apple Life, Rambling|0 Comments
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Return to Friend of a Farmer on Irving, Gramercy, NYC

Since my friend didn't go out much, we booked a table at Friend of a Farmer for our meal mid-afternoon to avoid as many people as possible. I had their grass-fed burger ($18) topped with sautéed onions, Cheddar cheese, chipotle aioli, sliced tomato, fresh arugula and bacon. I had to cut this delicious burger in half to manage eating it. It came with a side of their yummy fries. My friend's grilled chicken ($16) with avocado, sliced tomatoes, onions and mozzarella cheese all wrapped in a flour tortilla was a bit disappointing as it was quite bland.  It came with a side salad.  Good thing we ordered some extra fries. [...]

By |2020-12-07T16:04:57-05:00December 3rd, 2020|Big Apple Life, Rambling|0 Comments
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A Stop at Starbucks Reserve Roastery, Chelsea, NYC

You couldn't miss the enticing aroma of freshly roasted coffee when you walked in the Starbucks Reserve Roastery's door Pre-COVID. I met a friend at the Roastery on 9th Avenue to yak while her iPhone was being fixed as it wasn't far from my home and only a block from the Apple store. I hadn't realized the Roastery served food in addition to their pastries and coffees. My friend had ordered the smoked salmon topped avocado toast ($9). To join her, I ordered a cappuccino. She said the toast tasted even better than it looked. And, if looked amazingly appetizing. (And, avocado toast is not my favorite. Our friendly waiter also served cheese, [...]

By |2020-11-24T13:18:44-05:00November 20th, 2020|Big Apple Life|0 Comments
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Dinner at Bistango at The Kimberly Hotel, Midtown, NYC

I returned to Bistango midtown to celebrate a friend's birthday. Much of their outdoor space is under an awning with tables nicely spaced apart and heaters above. We happen to have arrived in time for a happy hour mule ($13), my friend had the special pear version made with Tito's, spiced pear and ginger beer. I had a regular one; both came in traditional copper mugs. Our server brought us hummus and bread, serving me regular sliced, my friend gluten-free. Off to a great start. She started with their sliced Honeycrisp apple and Prosciutto ($16) over mixed greens along with toasted pecans in a fig vinaigrette. Next, she had the [...]

By |2020-11-03T08:57:48-05:00November 10th, 2020|Big Apple Life, Other happenings|0 Comments
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Lamb Burger at North Square, Washington Square, NYC

I had dined at North Square on the northwest corner of Washington Square many years ago. The yummy lobster and crab cake that I so loved was no longer on the menu. My dining partner recommended their lamb burger that came with pickled veggies, lemon aïoli and French fries ($16). It was good, yet I much prefer the one served at L'Express and would recommend that if you're looking for that dish.  At this attractive outdoor space, the service is very attentive and friendly.   North Square Washington Square Area 103 Waverly Pl New York, NY 10011 (212) 254-1200 northsquareny.com

By |2022-04-20T14:56:30-04:00November 8th, 2020|Big Apple Life, Rambling|0 Comments
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Freezing Vegetables: Blanch First

My cousin Barbara used to call at dinner time when my sons were young and ask, "If I were a bluefish, how would you cook me?" This time she had an abundance of bluefish that a friend had caught and wanted to know what to do with it. I was her Betty Crocker; her Julia Child helping her with cooking issues. She should have called before freezing her fresh Brussels sprouts. She had frozen them fresh and wondered why they were inedible. Blanching — scalding vegetables in boiling water or over steam for a short time then plunging into ice water to stop the cooking process — is a must [...]

By |2020-11-10T20:05:44-05:00November 6th, 2020|WOW|0 Comments
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Lunch at Bryant Park Grill, Midtown, NYC

I've enjoyed many a meal at Bryant Park Grill in their European-style spacious garden terrace behind the landmark New York Public Library. This time from the get-go, the staff couldn't get their act together to properly service the five of us. Our table was set for five; we had four water glasses. One friend requested lemon for her water while I ordered an Aperol Spritzer ($16), my then-current libation. The waiter brought the lemon; no water or cocktail. Sadly, this was de rigueur for our entire dining experience. Good thing that most of the food was better than the service. Both sliders — pulled pork BBQ ($17.50) and hamburger ($16.95) [...]

By |2020-11-10T20:09:33-05:00November 5th, 2020|Big Apple Life, Rambling|0 Comments
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Return to The Little Owl, West Village, NYC

Thought brunch at the West Village neighborhood corner gem The Little Owl would be fun for a college freshman new to the area. Instead of my usual Aperol spritzer, I sampled their Cappelletti spritzer ($15) after learning that the restaurant is not allowed to have a liquor license as they are too close to a school. The NYS Liquor Authority can only issue a wine and beer license within 200 feet of a school or place of worship. Cappelletti may be the oldest style of the classic red bitter still in production. Was quite tasty! I ordered my chilaquiles ($15) with poached instead of the menu-stated over-easy eggs. The spicy [...]

By |2020-11-10T20:02:49-05:00October 31st, 2020|Big Apple Life, Rambling|0 Comments
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Another Ferry Ride to DUMBO for Lunch at Ignazio’s, NYC

The last time I took the ferry to Dumbo, I walked right past Ignazio's, a pizzeria on the corner of  Water Street almost under the Brooklyn Bridge, a restaurant that my friend had raved about. We decided to go together to sample their thin-crust pies. Being indecisive — and wanting to sample two varieties  — we tried half and half. Half white clam pizza and half classic with fresh mozzarella, Italian plum tomatoes and pecorino romano cheese. We asked to have that topped with meatballs ($24.50). I sipped their house pinot grigio ($11 a large portion in a plastic cup) while awaiting our pizza. We share a Caesar salad ($12.50), [...]

By |2020-11-10T20:07:13-05:00October 28th, 2020|Big Apple Life, Rambling|0 Comments
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