Manhattan – Negroni Classico – $14 each

Via Corota is a new(ish) Italian spot in the West Village with a few nice outdoor tables and a few outstanding dishes.

The most popular dish is their “Via Corota Svizzerina” which is basically a super juicy, bunless hamburger patty. As you can see from the pic below, the burger has some garlic and rosemary going on, so with all those flavors, a bun isn’t really necessary. All those on the Paleo diet, enquire within! And thank you for being only slightly less annoying about your lifestyle than Vegans.

The dish I loved the most was the ricotta, pea, fava and asparagus Crostini! Not only were the combo of ingredients super tasty, but the crusty bread was out of this world. Be sure to order this dish, whatever you do. Unless you’re Paleo or Vegan. Vegans, basically I’ve got nothin’ for you today.

Via Corota is one of a thousand other cute, cozy bistros located in the West Village and, while I feel that many of them are interchangeable, some are a bit more elevated than others.

Kind of like my restaurant reviews. I mean, all my reviews are brilliant, but this one is definitely less brilliant than others. It happens.

51 Grove St
New York, NY 10014
b/t S 7th Ave & Bleecker St
West Village
viacarota.com

Prosecco Cocktail with sour cherries – $12

Crostini – ricotta di pecora
peas, asparagus, favas & sheep’s milk ricotta – $8

Broccoletti
broccoli rabe, garlic & chilies – $13

Tortelli
smoked ricotta tortelli
– $17

VIA CAROTA SVIZZERINA –
chopped steak $20

Cheeseburger – $6.50

From my one experience at Rockaway Beach, there are not a lot of dining options along the boardwalk. It’s definitely not set up for the typical tourist. This is a locals beach. No hotels. No beach chair/umbrella rentals shops. No frozen custard.

Just a few, casual eateries and a pretty decent beach. Definitely nicer than Coney Island. Water was on the warmer side. The beach vibe was lively, people playing music, chatting. You know, things people do at a beach. If you want to meditate or some shit, maybe turn your sound machine to “Ocean” and stay at home.

Rippers sells a tasty breakfast burrito that puts “breakfast” on the back burner. It’s steak, beans and a hint of scrambled egg. It’s delicious! But not very breakfasty.

The burger was also a highlight, nice and simple with a boring, soft bun (which I love). Rippers is perfect for a day at the Rockaways. You don’t come here for sushi, you don’t come here for fusion or velvet ropes or any kind of pretense.

After a day of beach shenanigans, you want food that requires no thought.

If you look at a menu item and have to wonder if it either sounds incredible or like the worst thing ever, then you know it’s not beach food.

Burgers, burritos and beer. That’s beach food. That’s the Rockaways.

Boardwalk & Beach 86th St
Far Rockaway, NY 11693
http://86badvibes.com/

Steak and Egg Breakfast Burrito – $8

It gets packed in the late afternoon.

The beach in front of Rippers

Fuku+ is the new, big brother fried chicken incarnation from Momofuku’s David Chang, a companion piece to his Lower East Side’s fried chicken sammie wonderland, Fuku.

If we were to compare Fuku and Fuku+ to 80’s pop starlets, Fuku is “I Think We’re Alone Now’s” Tiffany (one hit wonder) and Fuku+ is Debbie Gibson (much bigger star, many more hits. In fact, one song currently won’t stop raping my brain. Yes, Deb, I just can’t shake your love, either.)

Where was I?

Fuku is located in the little perch above midtown’s Má Pêche (another David Chang classic). You enter thought the Má Pêche entrance (which is the Milk dessert shop) and patiently get in line, which starts in front of the large Má Pêche sign.

You’ll be confused about which eatery the line is for. You’ll ask the dude in front of you, he won’t know either. The guy in front of the dude is on his phone, so you don’t ask him. So, you decided to ask the hostess who confirm, yes, that long line is for Fuku+.

And it’s going to be a 25-35 minute wait.

Just like Fuku, Fuku+ is (mostly) standing room only, but offers a few more communal spaces to scarf your food.

The walk in menu offers a smaller version of the enormous Fried Chicken sandwich, that made the original Fuku infamous. They also offer really tasty, dark meat fried chicken bites with a spicy green dipping sauce.

Some other menu notables are the Mission Cantina spicy Fuku Fingers (spicy fried chicken strips), the Sichuan Pork Flatbread (a very small Asian pizza) and some frightening looking salt and pepper shrimp. Whole shrimp. Take note.

My focus today was the off-the-menu, Juicy Lucy burger. In addition to the cheese on top, there is also cheese inside the patty. The bun is soft and simple and there’s some onion compote.

Here’s why I love the F out of this burger:

It’s simple. Meat, cheese, a little onion and a simple, soft bun. No bullshit ingredients. No toppings, piled mile high. No pretentious brioche bun which often reminds me of biting into a sofa. The meat is also cooked perfectly. Not too rare. Actually, not pink at all.

I prefer my burgers fast food style. Well done. Sorry if that offends anyone. Actually, I’m not sorry.

The setting is casual, the food is decently priced (the Fuku Fingers and Flatbread are both a few dollars more than they should be) but the fuku bites are only $6 bucks and the burger is only $8. Both are totally worth it.

The white meat Fuku Fingers are a sizeable portion (they became a whole other meal, the following day) and are nice and spicy (perhaps missing just a touch of the flavor of the dark meat fuku bites) and the flatbread was demure but packed a flavor punch.

Fuku+ only takes reservations if you’re going to partake of one of two dining packages. The first (Fuku XL – $25 per person) offers a similar menu to the original Fuku, featuring that massive chicken sandwich and the second (Fuku XXL – $400 set price) also includes things like Slow Roasted Pork Butt and Fried Short Ribs. Good for 4-8 hungry ass peeps.

In my opinion, however, both options are unnecessary. Come to the original Fuku to get your chicken sandwich on, and then come to Fuku+ for your chicken bites/tenders and that lovely, perfect, sexy off-the-menu Juicy Lucy. Have your friend order the flatbread and make him/her share with you (keep this in mind, when choosing said friend).

Chambers Hotel
15 W 56 St
New York, NY 10019
Midtown West
Fuku+ Website

Fuku Bites with JD Sauce – $6

Juicy Lucy – Off the menu cheeseburger – $8

Mission Chinese Fuku Fingers – $16

Sichuan Pork Flatbread – $15

Ippudo is definitely NYC’s most popular ramen spot. Located in the East Village, you’ll join the swarms of other hungry hippos in a 1-2 hour wait.

But it’s worth it.

Not only is the ramen pretty spot on, but it’s a fun place overall! The employees scream something in Japanese when you enter the dining room. Because just like L’Oreal, you’re worth it.

Chock full of your new found self-esteem, you’ll order an extra bottle of Sake to celebrate, which will ensure a lively evening for yourself (maybe not the others around you).

The ramen is a few bucks more than you might be used to but you’re paying for popularity, ambiance and high quality ingredients. The ramen is definitely delicious. No complaints. And Ippudo is popular. But not a Mean Girl. Well, it probably has it’s bitchy moments. Who doesn’t? (This paragraph took a wrong turn somewhere but I’m not changing it).

Is Ippudo better than some of the ramen I’ve had in LA? No. No, it is not. Also, LA ramen is generally cheaper and less obsessed over.

But we’re not in LA, are we? So shut the hell up Bun Boy and get back to it.

What else is there? Oh! The amazing pork buns are a must order. Meaning, you must order them. Obvi. The pork isn’t as fatty as Momofuku’s. I’m not a big fan of fatty ass pork belly.

Ok, anything else? I think Ippudo wins the award for most reviewed restaurant on Yelp. I mean, they have over 7200 reviews! I probably visit the website 153 times a day, so I would know. Like I said, this is one of NYC’s most popular restaurants if the Yelpers have anything to say about it.

65 4th Ave
New York, NY 10003
b/t 9th St & 10th St
East Village
(212) 388-0088
ippudony.com

Hirata Buns (2 pcs) Steamed buns filled with pork served with Ippudo’s original spicy buns sauce and mayo. – $8

Karaka Men – $15
The original silky “Tonkotsu” (pork) soup noodles with
Ippudo’s special blend of hot spices, topped with pork chashu, sesame kikurage mushrooms, onion, minced pork, and scallions.

Shiromaru Hakata Classic – $15
The original silky “Tonkotsu” (pork) soup noodles topped
with pork loin chashu, sesame kikurag

Spicy Goodness

When an unsuspecting tourist visits LA, they most likely run straight to the heart of Hollywood, the Walk of Fame and the Chinese Theater. What they don’t realize yet, is just how disappointing the entire endeavor will be.

The crowds, the heat, the aggressive SpongeBob in the dingy costume, who’s picture you just secretly snapped, now looming ominously over you, expecting his tip.

On top of that, there’s not a whole lot there to see. You have the faux Chinese courtyard of a theater that charges you to see the inside and a street emblazoned with the names of mostly dead celebrities from the 1930’s. They were much more free about handing out those stars back then.

You’d think you’d get this incredible street filled with great restaurants, luxurious shopping and larger than life experiences. The restaurants are mostly crap and if you love cheap plastic Oscar trophy’s and I Love Hollywood t-shirts, then you’re in luck.

Basically, it’s a big let down. Hollywood’s a dump! Who knew?!

Who knew? Well, everyone that lives there.

Times Square is the Hollywood BLVD of NYC. It’s crazy crowded, filled with crappy restaurants and your shopping highlight will be whatever you buy at the M&M store. Who can resist an $28 bag of M&M’s??

The one difference is, you won’t be disappointed. You’ll be overwhelmed. Or stressed out. Or homicidal. But you’ll never come here thinking “Meh, I thought there’d me more. How come I haven’t been mugged yet?”

Instead of the good ole days, when you would be mugged, you’ll be harassed. Talked into taking a bus tour, most likely. Or coming to some random comedy show, just around the corner. Your host will forget to mention the electronics store his buddy owns is on the way.

My point is….wait, I’ve forgotten about it after that negative rant I just went on.

As a NYC local, you won’t come up to Times Square very often. Maybe to see a Broadway show, maybe….hmm, I think that’s it.

I don’t hate it here as much as seasoned New Yorkers, but I’m getting there. So, before that happens, I wanted to check out this BBQ spot I had heard about, in the very bloody heart of the madness.

I had come here last year for drinks, had never tried the food. The drinks are large, whimsical, often “Southern” in origin and very sweet. You’ll order a few cuz that’s all they have but your reward will be the food.

The food is really good!

The smokey chicken wings (the full wing!) were the star of the show, for certain.

The smoke is intense but incredible, and you get a ton of meat. Order these or else just have another sweet cocktail and enjoy your hangover cuz you deserve it.

The two meat platter is perfect for 2 people to share. We had zero leftovers.

We chose the ribs, which were large, tender and plentiful. The brisket was also tender. The bbq sauces were very traditional, nothing mind blowing. The mac and cheese and cole slaw were good but neither were amazing.

That being said, I’ll take average Mac and Cheese over most dishes any day.

The cornbread is dotted with diced jalapenos, loved it.

Good BBQ is sprouting up all over NYC. Enough transplants from famed BBQ regions of the US move/live here to give us an authentic and delicious look into this famous cuisine.

What does this mean for Virgil’s? Definitely eat here if someone has you at gun point and made you come to Times Square. No need to come here unless you’re at gunpoint. Or if you’re me, because I still enjoy coming here. I’m not sure why.

Times Square may overwhelm me. It may stress me out. It may make me homicidal. But it will never disappoint me.

152 W 44th St
New York, NY 10036
b/t Broadway & 7th Ave
Theater District, Midtown West
(212) 921-9494
virgilsbbq.com

Complimentary Spicy Popcorn

Tito’s Vodka and Homemade Fruit Punch

Fresh Watermelon Margarita / Habanero Grapefruit Margarita – $12 / $11

BBQ Chicken Wings – $13.95

“Pick Two” BBQ Combo – Memphis Pork Ribs, Texas Brisket, mac and cheese, cole slaw and cornbread – $25.95

If you can brave this madness, hats off to you!

Red Rooster is definitely the place to come to pig out. But it’s gonna cost you. Our brunch was about $75 a person. That included two drinks each. We left both full yet empty (well, our wallets).

The place can get packed at night but was pretty dead for Brunch. I’m not sure if this is always the case because I’m not some stalker that walks by every day to see if they’re busy or not. Sorry, I just don’t have the time.

Maybe people feel better about spending that kind of money for dinner and not breakfast?

The cornbread and deviled eggs are both delicious starters. Order them both. The cornbread is dense, moist and full of real corn. The tomato salsa is an odd accompaniment but totally works. The honey butter is a no-brainer. The eggs are super yokey and tasty. Not sure if they really need the duck pate they’re resting on.

The meatballs were very flavorful but just a touch on the overcooked side. I still would order them again.

The drinks were solid, the Corpse Reviver was a touch strong for the morning but the Sag Harbor Hills was light and refreshing.

The Fried Chicken was fatty but delicious. Loved the collard greens and the mashed potatoes, definitely all you could want in a fried chicken meal. Try to eat it all at the restaurant (pig) because the crust is super crispy and doesn’t reheat as nicely.

Red Rooster has become a Harlem institution so it is definitely worth checking out for an upscale yet lively dinner out.

Just remember to wear your eatin’ dress.

310 Lenox Ave
New York, NY 10027
b/t 126th St & 125th St
Harlem
(212) 792-9001
redroosterharlem.com

Red Eye Rooster – beer & bloody mary – $12

Corpse Reviver #125……………………………………………………..$13
herradura blanco, lillet, royal combier, absinthe

Sag Harbor Hills…………………………………………………………..$13
hendrick’s gin, mint, cucumber, benedictine

DEVILED EGGS – $8

Cornbread with honey butter and tomato jam – $4

HELGA’S MEATBALLS ……………………………………………………. $21
lingonberries, braised green cabbage, buttermilk mashed potatoes

FRIED YARD BIRD ………………………………………………………… $22
dark meat, white mace gravy, mashed potatoes, bread & butter pickles

Fried Chicken Sandwich

Joseph Leonard is the first restaurant of the Happy Cooking Hospitality group that also manages Bar Sardine, Perla, Fedora and Montmarte.

Specializing in upscale American, Italian and French fare in casually quaint bistro settings. I can’t really go into any more detail because I don’t really know what I’m talking about. I haven’t been to any of the other restaurants and not in the mood to plagiarize something I’ve copied and pasted from the internet.

We ordered one breakfast item and one lunch item and both were delicious.

The Saucisson a L’ail is a French garlic sausage and it’s served with two fried eggs and this very tasty crispy hash brown half disk. That’s the only way I can describe it. I loved it, regardless.

The Fried Chicken sandwich is all about the chicken. Only a few pickles and some mayo on a overpowering ciabatta bun accompany it. Just do what I did, discard the top bun and enjoy the chicken lightly drizzled in honey and you will leave quite happy and full.

Just remember to have a salad later that day to ease your conscience.

170 Waverly Pl
New York, NY 10014
b/t Grove St & 10th St
West Village
(646) 429-8383
josephleonard.com

Magdalena – Reposado tequila, poblano, st. germain, lime, salt rim

Saucisson a L’ail – pork and garlic sausage, fried egg, hashbrowns, crème fraiche and arugula

Fried Chicken Sandwich