The Double Bubby • 21
double patty, double bacon, double cheese (American);
lettuce, homemade pickles, onion, homemade bun, special sauce

Bubby’s is a very popular brunch spot in the Meatpacking, that serves an over the top burger and some tasty (looking) pancakes. It’s location, right next to the Highline and The Whitney museum, make it a desirable spot to eat.

Let’s talk about that burger.

Very impressive, in stature. It was about 15 feet tall. Definitely had to be eaten with a fork/knife. The bun was not great but the burger patty itself was really nice. Not worth $21 bucks, however.

The pancakes were ordered by some lady next to me. They looked delicious. Order those instead. Thanks for not giving me a bite, lady.

Other than that, I don’t have a lot of info to tell ya. Sorry, it’s Halloween and I’ve got better stuff to do. Like, stress over what costume to wear, and then end up not wearing one at all.

71 Gansevoort St
New York, NY 10014
b/t Washington St & Greenwich St
Meatpacking District, West Village
(212) 206-6200
http://www.bubbys.com/our-restaurants/high-line/

Cappuccino – $4

Spiked Watermelon Lemonade

Bubby’s Punch – Vodka, lemon, cranberry, orange juice, soda

Bubby’s Breakfast • 19
farm eggs any style, house-cured meat, home fries,
and shewolf bakery toast

The Double Bubby • 21
double patty, double bacon, double cheese (American);
lettuce, homemade pickles, onion, homemade bun, special sauce

Bubby’s Pancakes • 15*
James Beard’s classic recipe with a twist, served
with Doerfler’s Maple Syrup

The High Line

Tartine is an extremely casual French bistro in the Village that makes a mean Croque Madame (the one with egg).

The décor is simple, the napkins are paper and the prices are a bit too high for how casual it is.

Oh, and it’s CASH ONLY.

Cheapskates.

If your business is hocking inexpensive crap, I’m all for cash only. Why pay all those credit card fees for a $3 buck item.

My sandwich was $17 dollars. I’m sorry, but you can’t charge that much money and not take my damn credit card. That’s just tacky. Or, as the French say, “Vulgaire”.

Also, since I’M cheap, I didn’t have any cash on me so my friend had to pay, which was embarrassing. Thanks Tartine, for the humiliation.

Thankfully, your Croque Madame was so good, I was too busy worrying about my cholesterol to stay mad.

Thanks…I guess?

253 W 11th St
New York, NY 10014
b/t Waverly Pl & 4th St
West Village
(212) 229-2611
tartinecafenyc.com

The view from inside (it’s like being outside!)

Complimentary French Baguette & Butter

Croque Madame – $17

Thyme Roasted Salmon on Ciabatta -$15

I had never heard of this place when a friend and I wandered in for lunch, the other day.

But, my lord, what good pizza!!

The seasonal mushroom, taleggio and thyme pizza was absolutely chock full of flavor and featuring the thinnest crust known to man. And the crust still managed to maintain it’s crispiness. You can easily devour the entire thing and feel no guilt.

Well, maybe leave one piece behind, just for show.

The Artichoke Calzone was also a thing of beauty. It’s ENORMOUS, first of all. Second, it’s stuffed and covered in cheesy, artichokey goodness. Ordering this will guarantee a pound of leftovers (which reheat beautifully).

Even the Arugula and Endive salad was flavorful and nice accompaniment to the heavier dishes.

On top of that, the place is spacious, gorgeous (yet casual) and our server couldn’t have been friendlier. There weren’t many diners when we were there, which makes me worry for Florian’s future. The restaurant group manages 5 other NYC restaurants, so apparently they’re doing all right.

Regardless, I highly recommend this place for pretty much any occasion. Carb loading for an imaginary race? Check. Romantic Dinner? Check? Firing a horrible employee? Check…but make sure they order that insane looking lobster pizza (see below) so at least they’re given a final, decadent meal before you send them off to the unemployment line.

Just make sure they don’t stab you with the lobster shell.

225 Park Ave S
New York, NY 10003
b/t 19th St & 18th St
Gramercy, Flatiron
(212) 869-8800
floriannyc.com

arugula & endive 11
radicchio, cauliflower, goat cheese, pear, walnuts,
apple-tarragon dressing

artichoke calzone alla giudea 21

seasonal mushrooms, taleggio, thyme 19

lasagna ossobuco 23
whole lobster, zucchini, pomodoro 29

Here’s a short description of your typical Dim Sum experience:

Immediately upon entering the restaurant, 8 ladies crash their dim sum carts into your table all at once, they shove plates filled with unknown fried or squiggly foods in your face, you decline because you need to catch your breath, they’re offended and you are subsequently ignored for the rest of the meal.

That seems to be the case every time I do dim sum. And that’s part of the appeal. The stress of it all.

Within seconds of being seated, you’re sexually harassed with dumplings. You don’t even have your water yet, so you’re declined all the offers, assuming you’ll be harassed later as well. Not the case.

You don’t know what the hell you’re being offered. You try to obtain clues as to the contents (fish? pork? entrails?) and your questions are often not answered in English, resulting in severe language tax.

This means, after an exhausting back and forth exchange, where neither customer nor dim sum cart attendant understands one another, you just take the damn plate to find out it’s either weird, gross or the opposite of what you asked for.

But this is all part of the fun!

Like with all of my dim sum experiences, you get some good things, you get some bad things and you get some weird things (that you sometimes can’t stop eating). The Chinese broccoli, the little tempura veggies and the mushroom dumplings were our favorites, today.

Halfway through your meal, your salt intake being double your day’s requirement, you become parched. You search out the waiter like an addict in search of his dealer.

Your water dealer does NOT search out you. In fact, he avoids you. Perhaps he just doesn’t like the looks of you. You must have offended him somehow. Maybe you should play a little hard to get, not appear so desperate. It’s just water, after all.

Your doll-sized water cup is begrudgingly filled and then its immediately dumped down your throat. You want another, STAT. You will most likely never see the waiter again, so enjoy every last drop of that beloved water, as it shall be your last.

Dim Sum is always fun (regardless of the tone of this entire post), even if you leave with a belly full of indeterminate foodstuffs and a tongue as dry as the state of California. For some reason, it’s still a worthwhile experience.

If only to stop taking free, glorious water for granted.

20 Elizabeth St
New York, NY 10013
b/t Canal St & Bayard St
Chinatown
Phone number (212) 964-5256
jingfongny.com

Shu Mai (I think?)

Deep Fried…Something (veggies, we hope?)

Mushroom Dumpling (maybe?)

Rice and etcetera…

Chinese Broccoli (most likely)

Bombarded with questionable foodstuffs!

Every dish at Danny Meyer’s new Untitled restaurant, located on the bottom floor of the Whitney Museum, is beautiful. Like a work of art. Quite fitting.

And just like art, food is also subjective. One man’s lobster is another man’s Chef Boyardee. I happen to dislike lobster and have a secret crush on the Chef.

Overall, I certainly enjoyed the overall dining experience. There wasn’t anything I disliked. The service was prompt and friendly. The ribs, nectarine toast and peanut butter blueberry crunch cake were fantastic!

However, the lamb meatballs were oddly spongy and lacked a bit of flavor.

The fluke portion was obscenely miniscule.

The ribs, even though I really enjoyed them, could have used a bit more salt to combat the sweetness of the peaches and a strong vinegar element.

I had eaten at the rooftop before, the more casual counterpart to Untitled called the Studio Cafe, where they specialize in Toasts. I loved them. I also love the idea of things on toast. We ordered a few of them and they were really tasty. I included those pics for your perusal, below.

I think the key here is to do a little Yelp research in advance, so you order the right dishes. Apparently the fried chicken salad is all the rage.

Whatever you do, make sure you order that G-D Peanut Butter Blueberry Crunch cake. It was phenomenal.

And try to sit outside, the people watching is ideal. And it’s fun to watch the hot dog cart guy work try to pull his cart of the curb without it toppling over into the street. Such precision, the man could have been a surgeon in another life.

99 Gansevoort St
New York, NY 10014
b/t West St & Washington St
Meatpacking District, West Village
(212) 570-3670
untitledatthewhitney.com

Complimentary Bread and Butter

Nectarine, Ricotta, Pesto Toast

Fluke, kaffir lime, celery 15

Duck Meatballs in Peanut Sauce

Smoked spare ribs, apricots, caraflex cabbage (Split into two plates) 26

Chamomile panna cotta, local honey, market berries
10

Peanut butter blueberry crunch cake
10

View from the Rooftop & the Studio Cafe

Shot of Pier 54 – Where the Titanic Survivors were dropped off by the Carpathia and where the RMS Lusitania took off before sinking, killing all 1200 on board.

Vanilla Rum Custard Filled Brioche Donut

The Standard Grill, the main restaurant of the Standard Hotel chain, is a solid meal option if you’re in the meatpacking area.

If you’re in the mood for an outdoor brunch with ample people-watching, they’ve got you covered. If you want an intimate dinner (also comes with people-watching, free of charge) this place also suffices.

The food was very good, with the highlight being those brioche donuts filled with sinful vanilla rum custard. Holy crap, those are good.

Burger was very tasty, nothing bad about it. Yet, nothing outstanding about it either. Same goes for the other entrees. All very good. Nothing really to Instagram, besides those bewitched donuts.

You come here for the location, the people-watching (I’ve said this three times now. If you’re a serial killer, take note) and the food is just a bonus.

As for this supremely boring review? Well, nothing I can do there. I’m writing this the day after labor day, and I’ve got nothing left for you. Sorry. I would insert a cute puppy picture or something, but, like I said, I have nothing left.

848 Washington St
New York, NY 10014
b/t 13th St & Little W 12th St
Meatpacking District, West Village
(212) 645-4100
thestandardgrill.com

Iced Cappuccino

Brioche Donuts – Vanilla-Rum Custard – $8

Turkey Sandwich, Avocado, Cucumber, Lemon Aïoli on 7-Grain 15

The Standard Burger, Bacon & Cheddar 17

Eggs Benedict, American Ham, Mustard, Rosemary Potatoes 17

If you want to enjoy the view from the “Top Of The Rock” (the observation deck at the famous 30 Rockefeller building) you have two options.

You can spend $30 on a ticket, and stand in line with the hoards of tourists.

Or you can decide that you’re fine with being one floor beneath the observation deck and actually spend that money on booze.

Not exactly Sophie’s Choice.

Sure, the Manhattan I ordered cost $25 before taxes and tip. Yet I still would choose the second option because the $30 admission will never include a posh cocktail or remove 150 other tourists from your path.

Here’s the deets. You’ll enter the dizzying lobby of 30 Rock and follow signs for the Rainbow Room and Sixty Five, by going up the escalator to the second floor.

You’ll check in the hostess, who will give you the once over to make sure you’re not dressed in any of the offensive, forbidden attire. FYI, the environment at Sixty Five is part corporate happy hour (offering zero of your typical happy hour specials) and part old school, AARP crowd.

Here are the rules, from the website:

“Guests must be 21 years of age or older to enter. Business casual dress. Please, no t-shirts, hoodies, sneakers, baseball caps or other sportswear.”

Then you’ll be led to an elevator that only goes to the 65 floor and then check in with another hostess who will probably tell you there’s a long wait and then you’ll be seated inside, as there are plenty of available seats there (who wants to sit inside, with that amazing view??).

Then, you’ll be told that you have to pay for whatever charges you incur inside, because the outside bar area needs to be a separate tab.

You’ll say fine, or you’ll sigh or you’ll roll your eyes if you’re easily irritated.

Then, you’ll be led outside and it will all be worth it.

The views really are spectacular. The drinks are tasty and the food is AWESOME!

Sure, the prices of the “small plates” are the same as large plates. But the food is really, really good.

The fried chicken and waffles is a MUST ORDER. Can’t think of when the last time I consumed such delectable, crunchy breading. It’s definitely on the 50% breading, 50% chicken ratio, so keep that in mind.

The sliders feature really high quality beef and are solid, but take advantage of the bbq sauce and mustard you are presented with. The fries are the best part!

Overall, you’re going to spend a lot of money coming here, but you’ll certainly walk away with overall positive experience. That and a dozen or so selfies to post on Instagram to make your followers totes jelly.

30 Rockefeller Plz
65th Fl
New York, NY 10112
Midtown West
(212) 632-5000

Manhattan –
Wild Turkey 101 Rye, Punt e Mes,
Carpano Antico, Regan’s Orange Bitters –
25

Two Prime Wagyu Beef Sliders……………………………………………19
Caramelized Onion, Braised Short Rib,
Cabot Sharp Cheddar, Truffle Fries

Fried Chicken………………………………………………………………………..18
Whipped Smoked Onion Butter, Smoked Bacon Waffles, Chipotle Mustard Maple Syrup

I love Little Italy. It’s like a charming, run down Italian theme park. From the early 70’s.

Dozens of Dynasty-era eateries line Mulberry Street, most with appealing (and slightly dingy) outdoor seating. You don’t come to Little Italy for the amazing food. Everyone knows that. Just look up most of these places on Yelp. You come for the ambiance, the mauve and taupe color scheme and awesome people watching.

And maybe for the cannoli carts scattered about. Oh, and the year-round Christmas store.

Something to note, you must order correctly at any of these restaurants. Don’t get anything fancy or complicated. These are red sauce joints. Order something with red sauce! Or Alfredo. Get something with Bolognese or, better yet, Spaghetti and Meatballs. Dishes that are almost impossible to screw up.

Both of the dishes we ordered were excellent, actually! Some of the best Bolognese I’ve ever had. The bruschetta was a little sad, but we added the free herbed olive oil from the complimentary table bread and spruced it up. Service was fast and friendly.

Prices are a bit steep for cheesy Italian fare, so be warned. And you will encounter only very traditional dishes. Nothing fusion. Nothing creative. Nothing organic or farm-to-table. These places serve an Olive Garden menu, with a slightly more authentic flare. But there’s something in the air here. In the summer, there’s nothing like sitting outside, drinking a glass of scary looking red wine and watching the world pass you by.

129 Mulberry St
New York, NY 10013
b/t Hester St & Grand St
Little Italy, Chinatown
(212) 431-3934
dagennarorestaurant.com

Complimentary Table Bread

BRUSCHETTE $ 8.99
Diced mozzarella and tomato in olive oil and herbs, on toasted bread

TORTELLINI ALLA BOLOGNESE $ 17.99
Tortellini in a home-made meat sauce

POLLO ALLA SORRENTINA $ 18.99
Breast of chicken with prosciutto and eggplant, sautéed in brown sauce and white wine, and topped with melted mozzarella

Charlie Bird is often on the Eater 38’s list of top NYC restaurants, so I decided to finally check it out. I’m a slave to that list, after all.

The décor exhibits a sort of controlled hipness. Neatly framed photos of boom boxes rest above upscale table settings. Somewhat raucous music plays over the speakers to a pretty tame, well dressed crowd.

Let’s get the bad stuff over with first.

First of all, the wait for our food was excruciatingly long. We were at the restaurant almost three hours before we were finally finished. Not a single dish came out in a timely manner. This could be a one-off situation, so I won’t harp. But it was bad enough, that I certainly wouldn’t rush back.

Luckily, the food was all fantastic. I’m not sure what would have happened if it wasn’t. Would my head have exploded directly onto the boom box poster? Likely.

The Farro Salad was bright and fresh, chock full of herbs (and I love anything with pistachios). A definite must order, good for sharing.

The complimentary focaccia bread was also quite nice. Topped with rosemary and olive oil, it was a nice little nibble to prevent oneself from fainting out of severe hunger.

Cocktails were very tasty and potent. If you’re going to serve drinks in diminutive vintage glassware, those four sips had better pack a punch.

We shared two mains. The Rigatoni Napoletana was a bit pricey but right up my alley. Super chunky sauce of beef, pork and veal (sorry, lil guy) over a fair amount of noodles, definitely high on the yum factor.

I’m a big fan of pork chop with fruit (“apple-shaush”, a la Brady Bunch), so really dug the bacon roasted cherries atop the Berkshire pork chop dish ($30). You get a very large portion, so you’ll probably have leftovers.

Unless you’ve been sitting in the same spot for 3 hours without any sort of sustenance, then you might not have any leftovers. Neither will your neighbors “Oh sorry, I thought they were all finished”.

Olive oil cakes always sound so boring to me. Ok, you’re going to pour 50 grams of kind of flavorless fat over pound cake. Why?

Why??

Cuz, it’s delicious! I never want to order olive oil cake, but I’m always glad when I do.

The portions of this $12 dessert were definitely small (you really don’t need a lot, after the large entrée sizes) but definitely are worth it.

After all, what’s one more hour at the restaurant? May as well order a 6th cocktail while you wait.

FYI, you will not be able to drive home afterwards. Don’t even think about bringing your car.

5 King St
New York, NY 10012
b/t Mac Dougal St & Avenue Of The Americas
South Village
(212) 235-7133
charliebirdnyc.com

I see you lookin’ at me, lady.

Cocktails!

Complimentary Foccacia Bread

Farro Salad – Roasted Peas, Pistachio, Mint & Parmigiano – $16

Rigatoni Napoletana – Beef, Veal and Pork Ragu – $24

Berkshire Pork Chop – Bacon Roasted Cherries – $30

Apricot & Olive Oil Cake – $12