Bar Hopping - Bryant Park

Its the unofficial start to Autumn today and many are saddened that the evenings spent outside are now a thing of the past or at least until next summer. Let me tell you it isn't so! Autumn is the best time of year! I love it. The weather is cool and crisp yet warm enough where you can still spend time outdoors comfortably. The weather will be glorious until at least the end of October. Be sure to not hibernate too soon.

A great place to go is Bryant Park. Last week I met up with some co-workers at the Bryant Park Cafe for an afterwork drink. We were having a great time as we had prime real-estate by the bar but one of my colleague's insisted that if we went to the Bryant Park Grill it would be more fun because it was a rooftop. Reluctantly, we left for greener pastures. The Bryant Park Grill rooftop is very nice and it does have a nice over head view of the park but we didn't have great real-estate by the bar and could not get a table. We stayed for one drink and were once again on the move to for the Bryant Park - Southwest Porch. Which happens to be my favorite spot in Bryant Park. It feels like going out to a friend's backyard. There are swings, rockers, adirondack chairs, and power outlets just incase you need to charge your phone. The good part is you do not have to buy anything from the bar to hang out there but you will need skill in scoring a comfortable spot.

Live instagram feed of Bryant Park

Pizza; Little Italy

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One of my favorite things in the world is Pizza! I could eat it three times a day although that has only rarely happened.  Living in Little Italy people always ask me to recommend a pizzeria when visiting and for a long time my only recommendation was Lomardi's. About two years ago Rubirosa opened and has been giving Lomardi's a run for their money. Prince St Pizza took over the space of the Original Rays Pizza after being in the same location for 50 years this January. If you think that is a long time Lomardi's has been in the same location for over 100 years - since 1905. I like all three pizzerias equally as they each appeal to different people for different reasons.

If an out of towner asks me for a pizza recommendation I direct them to Lombardi's as it is a New York City institution and claims to be the first pizzeria in the USA (some dispute this). The pizza crust is thin and crisp, covered in a heavenly sauce and topped with fresh mozzarella. It is absolutely delicious and guaranteed to please. The only draw back is that it is often crowded and most of the time there is a wait. A recent expansion has remedied long lines around the block but has taken away from the authenticity of the New York institution.

If a New Yorker asks for a pizza recommendation I direct them to Rubirosa. The ambiance is cool and it has a full bar and menu. It is better suited for those than have been there and done that when it comes to Lomardi's.  The pizza here is comprised of a scrumptious thin crust and a perfect sauce to cheese ratio.  A family recipe dating back 51 years - originating at Joe and Pat's pizzeria in Staten Island. I'm glad not many know about this place as there is usually a table available.

If a Little Italy/Nolita/Soho/Chinatown local asks me where to get a good slice I will recommend Prince St Pizza. This new comer had me hooked at first bite. I was surprised to find it in the place of Original Ray's Pizza as I had been a regular there for many years. My first time there I was warmly welcomed by the owner Frank Morano. He was so eager to introduce me his signature Soho Square he gave me a Prince Perfection on the house. And pure perfection it was! The crust was soft and crispy, covered in home made mozzarella cheese (yes they make it fresh, in house, every day) and topped with yummy sauce. As good as the square is I like the Original Prince Slice the best. Not only is the pizza here delectable it is also prepared fast and you can order it by the slice. Best of all they are open late till 4am! A great place to go if you are out late one night.

Lombardi's
32 Spring St

Rubirosa
235 Mulberry St

Prince St. Pizza
27 Prince St

6 Train to Spring St
N, R Train to Prince St

Zenkichi - Japanese Brasserie

I was recently invited to dinner in Williamsburg and given the choice between Thai at Sea or "dope" Japanese Brasserie. I chose the latter; I was really curious to know what a dope Japanese brasserie was. I took the L train to Bedford and some blocks later we came to bamboo lined walls marked only with a 77.

We walked in and were greeted by a slightly awkward hostess who called our waitress to accompany us  down a fabulous, dimly lit, bamboo lined, stone walk way to our semi-private two person L-shaped dining booth.  

We were presented with menus and the waitress rolled down our bamboo shade and disappeared. A buzzer button was in the corner for us to summon our waitress to take our order. The menu consists of the Chef's Tasting Omakase Menu or an A La Carte Menu. It also has an extensive Sake Menu. My dining companion was reluctant to go for the Omakase so we opted for the a la carte menu.

The menu consists of sharing plates of which we ordered:

• Bottle of Sake
• Chilled Edamame
• Zenkicihi Salad
• Washugyu Beef Tataki
• Tuna Sashimi
• Rocksalt Jidori Chicken

Everything was delicious.  If you have been meaning to get to Williamsburg Zenkichi is a great excuse. The place feels authentic and romantic because of a fantastic lighting scheme. I am definitely going to return for the Omakase menu and instead of arriving by subway I will arrive via the East River Ferry.

Zenkichi

77 North 6th St

Brooklyn, NY 11211

Open Table Reservations

Beauty and Essex

Tonight I dined at Beauty and Essex.  I have been fan of Stanton Social for years and upon hearing of this new restaurant in the Lower East Side I was very excited. Chris Santos has outdone himself.  The menu is composed of small plates; perfect for sharing.  Great place to go on a date.  To find a date; I suggest you go if you are a guy. While checking out who was there it seemed like every single girl in NYC was there in her best downtown-chic garb.  The decor is luxurious with chandeliers at very turn, and just when you think it can't get any better you are handed a complimentary glass of champagne in the wash room. Stop by the lounge upstairs before or after dinner, very cool.


146 Essex Street
Between Clinton and Stanton Streets
http://www.beautyandessex.com/