Havana Alma de Cuba

We went out for Kevin’s birthday with our good friends Robb, Nellie and Chris to this great little Cuban place. Kevin’s birthday is actually on Monday so this was an early celebration on Friday night allowing us to recover for a few days before having to return to work. The restaurant, a perfect recommendation made by the Lillies, is Havana Alma de Cuba (Soul of Cuba).

Havana is located at 94 Christopher Street between Bleeker and Bedford in the West Village. The offered cuisine is Cuban, Latin and Spanish. Dress code is described as casual with style, but this also describes the atmosphere and décor of Havana. There is live music in the front room and an outdoor courtyard, seating 30 people on warm days. We were seated in the back room, at first it seems you are being lead out the back door but soon realize there is this additional unseen dining room further to the back.

The most popular meal ordered at our table was the Filete de Pargo, a filet of Red Snapper with a crunchy green plantain crust, avocado, and covered in a smooth sofrito sauce. This was delicious, a fried fresh fish that was perfectly breaded for a somewhat reasonable price of $19. Being the only one at the table not following the rules of Lent, I went with the evening special of Filet Mignon served with roasted brussel sprouts and a sweet semi glaze sauce. This was a much larger piece of steak than I’m usually served when ordering a filet, it is actually enough to serve 2. Kevin started his meal with a “Tony Montana” an interesting cocktail made with a combination of gin, cucumber juice, and Tabasco sauce. I’m not sure how much he enjoyed it since he was trying to get everyone else at the table to have some. The rest of the table raved about the pitcher of red wine Sangria.

As Chris and I are looking for the restrooms I tell him my plan of asking the servers to sing Happy Birthday to Kevin and perhaps snag some free cake. His response is “Do you want to embarrass him?” Now that is tempting, but I return to the table intent on leaving embarrassment out of this birthday dinner when one second later I see cake and servers coming to the table. Going through my head, “Oh someone else has already requested this?”, until the cake lands in front of me and I realize that they are in fact singing to me. Lesson learned: after a couple years of marriage it is all a race to see who can embarrass the other person first! We had a wonderful time with our friends at this restaurant and can’t wait to see where we’ll end up together next.

Grand Central Oyster Bar

The season of Lent is a religious time of reflection, prayer, penance and sacrifice. It was originally a 40 day period of Easter preparation and the primary spiritual exercise was to fast for 6 days a week. Over time the observance gradually became more lenient leading to the prevalent practice today of abstaining from meat products on Friday. The popular Friday night fish fry began in the 1930’s at churches and restaurants around the country for people seeking meat-free options during Lent.

So in our overly simple observance of this practice for the duration of Lent, Robb and I will be having our version of Fish Friday. Jennie snuck away from work today for lunch as well, since she loves the fish sandwich. We went to the Grand Central Oyster Bar in the basement of Grand Central Station. This restaurant is huge and is more like 4 restaurants in one. When entering, to the left is a fancier dining room and to the right are self serve counter seats. We went to the diner style seating on the right, since this was the only side that offered a sandwich menu.

Kb – Chilled Pacific Sturgeon Sandwich with Lettuce, Capers and Tarter Sauce ($8.25)
Robb – Grilled & Sliced Tuna Sandwich with Tomato Salsa ($9.50)
Jen – Fried Fish Sandwich with Tarter Sauce ($6.95)
The sandwich prices were a pretty good deal, however no side items come with it. If you so choose, a side order of soup or fries is an extra $5+ and the dinner entrée’s are also on the expensive side. Jennie’s Fried Fish Sandwich was awesome and I regret not ordering that myself, but I was trying to go with a non fried option. Robb’s Grilled Tuna Sandwich was fresh and the tomato salsa was great, but you could tell the fish was waiting to be heated up for the lunch crowd. And nothing was wrong with my Chilled Sturgeon Sandwich I’m just not sure it was the right type of fish for me. Overall it’s an interesting place, they get you in out quick and the price is right as long as you stick to the sandwich menu. Go4Kb.

Federal Hall

Federal Hall National Memorial is located downtown at 26 Wall Street. George Washington took the presidential oath of office at this site and this was home to the first Congress, Supreme Court, and Executive Branch offices. Now, the building functions as a museum and memorial to our first President. Kevin and I have attempted to visit before only to realize they are not open on the weekends but we were successful today and spent 20 minutes to stop in.

Right now they are celebrating the bicentennial of the birth of Abraham Lincoln with the new “Lincoln in New York” exhibit on display until April 30. The exhibit includes artifacts varying from photographs to manuscripts to memorabilia from Lincoln’s 1860 and 1864 presidential campaigns.

My overall impression of the museum was fine. I found the building and historical significance of the site fascinating. However many of the items inside are replicas or facsimile’s of actual items and that was somewhat disappointing. Since the museum is always free and conveniently located downtown right next to the New York Stock Exchange, I do intend to return soon.

Ulysses'

Ulysses', located at 58 Stone Street, is one of my neighborhood favorites but it is also a splurge. One aspect of it's appeal is the location; Stone Street is a strip of 19th-century buildings on a cobblestone street and is the secret little treasure of the Financial District. It's proximity to Kevin’s office makes it a convenient place to meet for lunch. There are restaurants and bars in every space here and the crowd is usually Wall Street types in for the burgers and beers. But Ulysses' lunch time carver buffet is a delicious deal if not a little steep with a main course and two sides costing $13 but don’t let them refill your soda unless you want to pay $3 a glass.

In front of me is a pastrami sandwich with sides of mac & cheese, potato salad and a side ceaser salad, while Kevin went with the pan seared mahi mahi accompanied by corn & tomato relish, steamed vegetables and potato pancakes. There has not been one item at Ulysses' I have not enjoyed and this place is always reliable. There are plenty of other options to mix and match on the carver buffet and it is updated and changed daily. The best time to visit this area is during the spring and summer when they put up the tables outside for a perfect happy hour spot.

The Big Easy

Manhattan’s version of Mardi Gras is always available at The Big Easy on the Upper East Side at 1768 2nd Ave between 92nd and 93rd St. This bar is loud and has a funky smell. Beer is flying everywhere in the back where the college kids are playing beer pong. Grab a $2 Coors Lite and put your name on the list. This place is great for frat guys which is basically what the bar was full of so we didn’t stay long.

Gemma

My husband and I just stumbled upon this place by accident and we were glad we did. While exploring the Lower East Side (my recent preferred sector of the city) on a walk from the Financial District to Union Square, we were torn amongst all the brunch options that attract you in the area. We choose Gemma for no particular reason besides our hunger taking over while on that block. Gemma is a mid/upper price Italian restaurant in the first level of the Bowery Hotel.

For brunch, Kevin enjoyed Eggs a La Gemma, a unique version of eggs benedict made with prosciutto and served with asparagus. I loved my customary brunch of french toast covered with fruit. The popular reviews are usually negative when deliberating dinner and the service is always dubbed aloof, which I noticed but wasn’t particularly bothered by. This place has decent food and an impressive atmosphere, without too long a wait for a table. I would go back if prompted by another party but do not see us returning on our own accord. Gemma is located at 335 Bowery and Third Street.

Five Guys

This is the last burger Friday until after Easter, so I asked Robb to pick out any place he wanted to go. Robb’s recommendation was the Dram Shop in Park Slope Brooklyn. I don’t go to Brooklyn much but the write-up in New York magazines cheap eats edition was very positive. We jumped on the R-train and headed to Brooklyn, a few blocks later started to walk into the Dram Shop, the only problem, the door was locked. Looked in the window, lights off, empty and not open for lunch, good job Robb. Was the McDonald’s across the street really going to be our last burger Friday? Luckily a quick search located a Five Guys a few blocks away.

Five Guys originated in the Washington DC metro-area in 1986 and began expanding nationally in 2003. They now have over 300 locations in 25 states. There are over 250,000 possible ways to order a burger at Five Guys and all ingredients are fresh, nothing is ever frozen. The standard hamburger or cheeseburger is actually a double patty sandwich, and a little hamburger or little cheeseburger is a single. You can choose from a list of toppings and all toppings are available at no additional cost.

I’ve been to Five Guys a few times now and it is a reliable burger chain. Today I had a cheeseburger with mustard, grilled onions and pickles. They only serve burgers cooked well done, maybe a little bland but somehow it doesn’t come out dry. The toppings are all very good, the cheese perfectly melted and the sesame seed bun is primo. For a prompt fast food restaurant chain, Five Guys has a good formula to make consistent fresh food, check it out if you get a chance. Go4Kb.

Eileen's Special Cheesecake

Eileen's Special Cheesecake is about as good as it gets. It is one of my favorites and I always make an effort to drop by when in SOHO. The visit usually will be after having taco’s next door at the taqueria, La Esquina, but I'll have to tell you about that incredible place another day. Kevin and I found Eileen’s a couple years ago when I just happened to see a big sign declaring cheesecake and had to go in.

Eileen's offers everything from classic plain New York style cheesecake to Chocolate Banana and Caramel Pecan, just to name a few. Kevin's favorite is the Dulche de Leche, a plain cheesecake with a lightly drizzled milky caramel syrup. The cheesecake has a very fluffy light texture, much lighter than Junior's, yet remains rich and creamy in flavor. It isn't too sweet and has just enough crust to delectably melt in your mouth. Even as I write this I long for another piece of deliciousness.

The most popular sized cakes are the individual cheesecakes for $3.50 but larger cakes are also available at $12.00, $15.50 and $29.00. You can get your own even if you don’t live in the city, they deliver overnight express anywhere in the United States. Eileen's Special Cheesecake is at 17 Cleveland Place (corner of Kenmare and Centre St, opposite Lafayette and Spring St).

One if by Land, Two if by Sea

Kevin and I recently had our first experience of NY Restaurant Week when we went to One if by Land, Two if by Sea. It is located on a quiet street in the West Village at 17 Barrow St and has been open for 35 years. The name of the place is a quote from the Longfellow poem “Paul Revere's Ride” which described a signal used in the Revolutionary War. The building is the former carriage house of Aaron Burr, the third Vice President of the United States under Thomas Jefferson. Burr is most often remembered for mortally wounding Alexander Hamilton, his long-time political rival, in a duel.

For those of us on a budget, twice a year Restaurant Week provides a unique opportunity to experience a lavish restaurant in New York City for a fraction of the regular price. Throughout the city, restaurants offer a three-course lunch for $25 and dinner for $35. This year, dozens of prominent restaurants are extending the menus of the winter version until the end of February. Although at the rate things are going, Restaurant Week could become Restaurant Year.

With rose centerpieces, candle-lit dining and piano playing, OIBL is known for being the perfect place for popping the question. Kevin and I found the atmosphere to be exceedingly prim and pedantic. Voted “The Most Romantic Restaurant in NYC”, it has the most beautiful interior but this didn’t make up for the lackluster quality of the food.

My first course was the Saffron Orzo, a dish of duck confit, peas, and pea shoot salad, while Kevin had the Butternut Squash Soup made with fennel foam and huckleberry. The duck was too salty and the soup was too sweet. My main course was roasted pork leg which came with broccoli rabe and cranberry-apple chutney and for Kevin a grilled Bavette steak with a side of sweet potato gratin and pearl onions. Both dishes were served cold and the meat was extremely tough and overcooked. Our dessert, which I was hoping would be the decent part of the meal, was a Milk Chocolate Fondant with maple ice cream, salted caramel, and almonds and a Cappuccino Crème Brulee with mascarpone foam and almond cardamom biscotti. Sad to say this is the first time ever I have not finished a dessert because the taste was so poor. Overall the plates were unimpressive and the atmosphere was stuffy. The only aspects of this restaurant that I did enjoy had to be the decor and the history.

Katz's Delicatessen

Finally we had a warm enough weekend in NY for Kevin and I to make up a walking tour of Houston Street from the West Side to the East Side. When you get off the train you are in SOHO which has so many great shops and places to eat and we had a destination this time; Katz’s Deli located on the Lower East Side at Houston and Ludlow.

Katz's Deli is a famous New York institution that dates back to 1888. While this place is not glamorous or economical, it is one of those places in New York you must go to. I’m embarrassed to say it took this long for us to finally go. Katz's is also famous for being the location of “that” scene from “When Harry Met Sally”, but it has also been used as a location for many other films. Katz’s original claim to fame came during the Second World War when this Lower East Side deli established a mail-order business for it's traditional meat products with the slogan “Send a salami to your boy in the army”. The slogan still appears on all their merchandise, staff uniforms etc, and has unfortunately acquired a new relevance in recent years, with a steady stream of salamis finding their way to Iraq and Afghanistan.

After you make your way in to the restaurant it is overwhelming with all the people and figuring out the process of how you are gonna get some meat and a seat. Good thing we split up and I took over table claiming duties while Kevin maneuvered the lines to find the fastest cutter. I can’t forget to mention that at the front door you are handed a "theater ticket” that will serve as your check when you exit (this is to minimize theft). If you do not have your ticket on the way out you may be charged the default fee of $50 each.

Kevin ordered pastrami on rye with mustard and I had a corned beef Reuben with Swiss cheese, sauerkraut and sauce. Kevin later told me the cutter asked if the Reuben should be made with pastrami and when Kevin stuck to the classic Reuben meat choice he saw a look of sorrow in the cutter’s face. After we tried the pastrami we understood why because the pastrami was possibly the best we have ever tasted. Don’t get me wrong the Reuben was good too but the corned beef was no where near the wondrous level of the pastrami. Katz’s Deli claims to be the best in NY but coming to Katz’s is as much about the experience and the setting as it is about the food, and there’s no denying the setting is worth seeing.

New Museum

The New Museum of Contemporary Art, founded in 1977, is the only museum in New York City exclusively devoted to presenting contemporary art from around the world. In December 2007, the New Museum opened the doors to it's new location on 235 Bowery at Prince Street, and its new building was named one of the architectural seven wonders by Conde Nast Traveler.

That being said, the architecture may be the most interesting aspect of the museum; at least during our visit this weekend. There are four major exhibits, a different exhibit on each floor, each less exciting than the last. One floor that was somewhat disturbing staged a mock Israeli refugee hospice in the year 2048. Kevin and I got out of there quick while regretting our payment of $10 each for entry and $3 for a miniature bottle of diet Pepsi.

Aquagrill

We decided to enjoy a Valentine's day dinner one night early at Aquagrill. On Saturday night the pre-fix dinner is $115 per person, however going one night earlier on Friday allowed us to order off the regular menu and have a wonderful meal at a more reasonable price around $25 an entrée.

Our meal started with an assortment of breads, my favorite being an onion focaccia bread with olive oil already in it. When it came time to order I went with two of the nightly specials; broccoli soup with lobster for an appetizer and garlic grouper with pesto pasta for the entrée. The grouper was deliciously doused in butter and cream with the perfect amount of pasta. Kevin stuck to the menu starting with a half dozen variety oysters and as an entrée the lobster salad with a vinaigrette dressing. To top it all off for dessert, we shared the fresh baked banana bread pudding with caramel ice cream.

The ambiance is chic and sophisticated for evenings but more open for lunch and brunch. They feature one of the best raw bars in the city and the brunch has been voted number one in ZAGAT for the past six years. The waitstaff is accommodating, upbeat and have excellent recommendations. Aquagrill is located at 210 Spring Street at Sixth Avenue in SoHo.

Molly's

Today I was planning to discuss evolutionary biology, instead I will keep the discussion on hamburgers. Robb and I headed again to the East Side this time to the Murry Hill-ish area to check out the burgers from Molly's at 287 3rd Ave (Btwn 22nd & 23rd St). It is an Irish Pub through and through with sawdust on the floors, dim lighting, and a combo of Irish & Country music on the jukebox.

Our 10oz. Cheeseburger, as it is listed on the menu, is a thick patty pub style burger with a choice of American, Swiss, Mozzarella or Blue Cheese served with a whole dill pickle, onions, lettuce, & tomato on the side and one item of french fries, potato salad, mashed potatoes or onion rings. These burgers are big ones with a slightly chard outside and a juicy inside cooked as requested to medium. While I don't have anything negative to say about the sandwich, because it was decent, there was also nothing memorable to bring me back. In the end it may be more this style of burger is less to my liking and why I seem to be missing that wow factor I have heard so much about. The food served up to other patrons looked outstanding and far superior than traditional bar food. The rest of the menu includes salads, chicken, steak & fish along with more traditional Irish staples and may warrant a return visit. Go4Kb.

Yushi

Yushi is a relatively new place for fast Japanese food and it originated in New York. They serve a range of healthy protein-rich sushi boxes, low carb salads, warm noodle soups and delicious sides. There are two locations in Manhattan, the one I go to is in the World Financial Center (this is the first location), and there is one in Midtown (245 Park Ave). The word Yushi does not actually mean anything in Japanese. It is an uncommon name in Japan, and can either be used as a surname or a last name, much like Paul for example.

In a land of fat goopy sugar-laden pastries and food heavily doused with condiments with heavy starch sides, the food at Yushi is a refreshing relief which you can count on being healthy. My choice for lunch today included Yushi’s Greatest Hits: A combination bento box of tuna and salmon sushi, tuna, salmon, and crab maki and salmon sashimi (420 calories) for $12.95, and the Yushi Classic Miso Soup: freshly made miso with coriander, tofu, spring onions and wakame (90 calories) for $3.95. I know the calorie count because NYC now requires chain restaurants to post it on their menus and Yushi has it listed right on the package. I wish the cost was less but for fast fresh sushi in NYC, I couldn't recommend this place more.

Shanghai Pavilion

"For a fancy Shanghai feast, head to this Upper East Side Chinese restaurant." This is what the NY Mag review said. Hmm, only meh. This was my first visit to Shanghai Pavilion (1378 3rd Ave) and I found it to be basically mediocre. Not terrible, but definitely nothing special. I thought the food was rather bland, which is unlike me since I have a pretty unsophisticated palate. The sweet and sour chicken and egg roll were almost flavorless. I was drawn in by the lunch special (S7.95 with 20 different options) and left disappointed.

Subway Inn

This cash only hole-in-the-wall has been serving up brewskies since 1937, and it looks as if some of the original patrons haven't left their bar stools since it opened. The tables are sticky, the walls are battered and lumpy and it looks as if the floor could give way at any moment. Incongruous knickknacks (Godzilla doll, wooden ships) covered in decades of dust fill the shelves. One bartender, who's been here for more than twenty years, calls himself a "rookie." It's one of those spots where everybody learns your name, but don't worry; with all those $4 shots, they'll forget it in the morning. Subway Inn, located at 143 E 60Th St caters to the anxious after-work crowd but once the drinks start coming the ties get loose. In an area where the next bar that opens is always trendier than the last, it’s nice to see a reliable dive right across the street from Bloomingdale’s.

Vynl

This 50’s style diner in Hell’s Kitchen is packed with local hipsters, students and wannabe actors who fit right in to the mix of funky and modern décor. There are currently three other locations in Manhattan besides the one we went to in Hell's Kitchen at 9th and 52nd. The others are in Chelsea and the Upper East and West Sides. Vynl has a fun atmosphere with Madonna videos playing on a wall sized screen all night and bathrooms that showcase famous pop stars in mosaic tile. It can also have that trendy appeal that wears off quickly.

Vynl is part-eatery, part-bar with a friendly, ornate air to it and a menu to match. The menu offers a curious combination of Thai choices and good ol’ American options like fried chicken, mac & cheese and burgers. My favorite dish, the Shrimp Pad Thai, is often envied upon arrival to the table. Appetizers are a mixed bag as well... in a good way. You can opt for a quesadilla, calamari, or grilled chicken satay, among other options. I will always recommend this place for at least one visit and a taste of the watermelon lemonaid.

You're Welcome America

Last night we saw Will Ferrell in his Broadway debut of You're Welcome America: A Final Night with George W. Bush. Performances of the new show began on January 20th — Bush’s final day in office — at the Cort Theatre in Times Square. It is a limited engagement that will play through March 15th. You can see it for yourself, HBO will air a live telecast of You're Welcome America on March 14th, directed by Marty Callner.

"He’s a cocky but bumbling fellow, trapped forever in puberty, always eager to play and eternally armored in the self-assurance that often goes with a lack of self-knowledge. He is given to jaw-dropping malapropisms and misinterpretations, and he has a raunchy exhibitionist streak. He is, in other words, a typical leading man from a Will Ferrell comedy." Read the full review in The NY Times.

It was a mild winter night for NY which made it easier to convince Kevin to stalk outside the stage door with me for a chance to meet the star. Will was very nice to take pictures and sign autographs with his fans. This just reinforced how much I love Will Ferrell and every character that he plays. The show did feel like a drawn out SNL skit at some points but Will still made it worth every minute.

A Message from George W Bush from Will Ferrell

Blue9Burger

So there really isn't a "Best Burger", instead it comes down to categories of burgers that are bad, good or great. And most people in this city list the "Best Burger" as one of three places, Shake Shake in Madison Square Park, Burger Joint in the Le Parker Meridian Hotel, or Corner Bistro of the West Village, so instead I am going somewhere else. Today Robb and I headed to Blue9Burger in the East Village for lunch at 92 3rd Ave (Btwn 12th & 13th St), pretty much a hole-in-the-wall, but a burger that has been compared to In-N-Out Burger.

I went with a Blue9Burger, a double cheeseburger, and ordered it Medieval Style, grilled mustard, grilled onions, extra lettuce, pickles & sauce. Robb ordered the Mango Infusion Style, which should have had grilled mango-chili sauce, but either the order was wrong or you couldn't taste the mango-chili sauce. It was cooked medium well, juicy, a little greasy, melted american cheese, excellent flavor and a well put together solid all around sandwich. This was a very good burger, I highly recommend Blue9Burger if your in the area and look forward to going back soon. Go4Kb.

Oscar Party

Jen Brown's Oscar Party

Pick A Winner: Make your picks for the Oscars and we will see who wins! There will be prizes! You could win a car! (If you sign up somewhere they are giving away cars: not here!) The New York Times and the The Oscars are two of my favorite things. Now you can get both together when you sign up for my Oscar Party Group. Cast your votes and compete with friends and family. The New York Times will score your ballot in real time on Oscar night, starting at 8 p.m. ET, Sunday February 22.

Free Coffee

SeamlessWeb is giving away 100,000 cups of coffee throughout Manhattan in February. Simply walk into one of the participating restaurants on any or all of the dates listed above and ask for a cup of coffee, on SeamlessWeb. Anyone can get a free cup, so tell your friends and colleagues too! Free small coffee, weekdays only, while supplies last.

February 2–6 in Midtown East
Map these restaurants »
Austin’s Cafe • 10 Park Ave
Bistro Marketplace 90 • 90 Park Ave
Toasties East • 924 Third Ave
Guy & Gallard • 120 East 34th St
Guy & Gallard VII • 180 Madison Ave
Cafe Guy & Gallard • 459 Park Ave South
Cafe Guy & Gallard • 475 Park Ave South
Bistro New York • 466 Lexington
41 Bistro Marketplace • 125 Park Ave

February 9–13 in Midtown West
Map these restaurants »
Europan Cafe • 370 West 58th St
Club Cafe • 11 West 47th St
Guy & Gallard • 469 Seventh Ave
19 Metro Market • 19 West 45th St
Green Cafe • 115 West 57th St
Milk N Honey • 22 West 45th St
Guy & Gallard • 333 Seventh Ave
Guy & Gallard Restaurant • 1001 Sixth Ave
Guy & Gallard III • 245 West 38th St

February 16–20 on the Upper East Side and Upper West Side
Map these restaurants »
Cafe Con Leche • 725 Amsterdam Ave
Tasty Cafe • 2062 Broadway
Gracie Cafe • 1530 York Ave
Seattle Cafe • 1411 Madison Ave
Old John’s Luncheonette • 148 West 67th St
Rive Gauche Bakery Cafe • 336 East 86th St
Gigi Cafe • 2067 Broadway
Champignon • 1389 Madison Ave

February 23–27 in the Financial District
Map these restaurants »
Beekman Cafe • 168 William St
Pane Peppe • 295 Greenwich St
Traders Express Deli • 22 Beaver St
Freddo Cafe • 120 Greenwich St
Patuca Fine Food • 41 John St
Champs Gourmet Deli • 30 Broad St
Stage Door Deli • 26 Vesey St

Phoenix Park

Named after a sprawling patch of greenery in Dublin, Phoenix Park is an UES base for Mets / Jets fans, Hunter College students (my Spanish study group) and white-collar workers. Autographed jerseys cover the walls and a Mr. Met bobble head sits on a liquor shelf. There are at least 15 big-screen TVs. Drinkers crowded out of the bar area can retreat to a brick-walled room with a pool table and fifties-style metal signs. (Beer: Helping ugly people have sex since 1862!) Seating for another two dozen people is offered on the back patio when the weather's right. Phoenix Park’s lunch and dinner menu features a list of bar snacks and appetizers, burgers, sandwiches, soups, wraps, and traditional “Irish Pub Favorites” selections. The beer battered onion rings are on my list of best in the city!