Eat.Here.Now: Caffe Storico

Hey There Upper East Siders, Gossip Girl here. Ok, ok, Caffe Storico is on the Upper West Side, but work with me here.  It reminded me too much of Gossip Girl so I had to go THERE (sorry).  

I hardly go up to the UWS, mainly because I live in the Financial District; and let's face it, all the action happens downtown.  Nevertheless, a few weeks ago I decided to step inside The World Above 59th Street (yes, I unlocked that Foursquare badge) to meet my aunt and cousin for brunch.  They had picked out the place because the restaurant is owned by Stephen Starr, owner of Buddakan and Morimoto (a.k.a it had to be good). 

The restaurant was located inside the New York Historical Society (so snobs, unite! KIDDING). The ambience and people were lovely.  The ceiling was strikingly tall and the decor clean, crisp and chic.  Lots of white, beautiful china on display, and a pop of yellow for the seating.  The baked eggs in a spicy tomato sauce was well worth the acid reflux.  After our entrees, we ordered the assortment of Italian cookies.  Definitely recommend.  

I realize not a lot of people venture to the UWS if you don't live there but definitely recommend this for a girls brunch.  One where you want to dress up all prim and proper, a la Blair Waldorf.  Blood Orange Mimosas included.

Delicious Oxymoron: Burger Heaven at Lure Fishbar

"A burger at a seafood place?"  I was confused when my cousin assured me that's why we were at Lure Fishbar, a beautiful seafood restaurant that looks like you're inside a $5mill yatch.  My cousin's hobby is too find the perfect burger in NYC so I knew that it had to be good. And was I right!  

The burger is not on the menu so don't get discouraged if you can't find it next to the oysters and sushi.  The meat is juicy, the bun pillowy soft and the bacon/onion relish makes it perfectly messy.  As if that's not good enough, the burger is topped off by two crispy onion rings.  Yeay, cholesterol!  I'll take it.  Ok, I'll stop ranting now...just go.   

Lure Fishbar 

142 Mercer St., New York, NY 10012

Eat.Here.Now: The Toucan and The Lion

"I've died and gone to heaven" may be the most correct expression to describe this place.  When my friend told me to not walk, but run to this restaurant before it got popular, I did just that.  The Toucan and The Lion opened last December at Mara's Homemade's old spot (RIP crawfish) and my visit was deeelicious.

The cuisine seems to be nouveau american but with an asian twist.  I tasted the Blood Orange and Green Mango Salad and devoured the Chili Tamarind King Prawns.  But the best (by far) was the Duck Confit Mofongo.  Mashed taro root mixed with Chinese sausage and topped with a delicate fried egg.  The salsa verde gave it the perfect hint of tanginess. I will most definitely be back, but I'm sure next time I'll be on a wait list.

The Toucan and The Lion

342 E. 6th St. near First Avenue, East Village)

 What to get, what to get, what to get, what to get

 Clean, white decor with really cool lighting.  Notice the plants?

Mofongo heaven 

The jumbo prawns

messy

 Done and done

 Celebrating this amazing dinner with mama in tow (it's a long distance relationship but we make it work) 

Eat.Here.Now: El Bohio Lechonera (Bronx)

After almost 5 years in this city I finally made it up to the Bronx to go have some authentic Puerto Rican food.  My trip was long overdue since I honestly can't find good restaurants in Manhattan that make me feel like I'm home.  About 8 of us gathered at my brother's and we made the trek up the 5 train to El Bohio Lechonera.  We had heard through the grapevines about this place from friends that were comparing it to the real deal back home in Puerto Rico so we had to try it.  After an hour trip, 15 minutes of walking near a highway (we got lost) and near frost bite on my feet we made it! Needless to say the food was delicious.  The pork was juicy, the mofongo was to die for and they offered all the sides that are essential in a Puerto Rican meal: rice, beans, yuca, plantains, plantains and more plantains.  The best part was the fact that the meal was just over $10 dollars per person.  So worth the trip.  If you are ever in the area or want to wander and explore a new cuisine, this is it.

Eat.Here.Now: I Sodi (West Village)

I will never get tired of Italian. This is not only me of course; every New Yorker is the same. It is the food that is most imitated and most desired. So, it's easy to separate the good from the bad and the good from the extraordinary. My visit to I Sodi was just that, extraordinarily delicious.

Tucked in Christopher street, I Sodi provides a fine dining experience but with a very relaxed feel. The waiter sat us at the bar and I spent the night getting wine suggestions and partaking in good conversation. The food was simple and fresh, much like what I imagined Tuscan food to be.

The pasta dishes are available in half portions, which is brilliant. Another great thing is that the kitchen is opened till midnight so eating at 11pm is doable and highly recommended.

Suggestions:

- Toasted crostini brushed with lard (you heard right) and topped with fresh cherry tomatoes

- Thinly sliced raw artichokes with slivers of parmesan, drizzled in olive oil

- Pasta Vongole

- Branzino with sauteed spinach (very different kind of sauteed spinach, trust me)

- Chocolate Ganache with bits of graham cracker

Eat.Here.Now: Kuma Inn

Up the stairs of a shady Ludlow St. entrance there is what could be one of the best BYOB restaurants in the city. Kuma Inn cooks up perfect Philippino/Thai tapas to pair with any wine you wish to bring. Cork fee is $5 bucks and the place is cash only, so make sure to hit up the ATM before. This is an ideal place to get a bunch of girls together for a girls-only dinner or bring someone on a date. The place is dark, small and has a great LES vibe.

Eat.Here.Now: Northern Spy

For me, the East Village is a hidden gem for food. In any random corner there are amazing restaurants that have a rather quaint feel and are yet to be discovered. Northern Spy fits that description to the max. The small restaurant prides itself for serving local and sustainable food, so you can imagine that every ingredient comes as fresh as you can get. The menu serves interesting food combinations, with a New-American flair. There is not much to choose from but it is guaranteed to be cooked to almost perfection.

Recommendations:

Pickled Devil Eggs- Tangy goodness!

Kale Salad- Everyone's favorite. You don't want to miss it.

Fluke- Fresh and simple.

Ginger Carrot Cake with Honey ice cream- So moist. Has the consistency of a bread pudding cake.

Eat.Here.Now: John's Pizzeria

One of the highest expectations you can have about living in New York City is eating amazing pizza all the time. That, you learn, isn't necessarily true. Maybe 7 out of 10 times you won't be disappointed (especially if you are eating it at 3:00AM) but even that can make you feel like NY pizza is overrated.

On Friday, my boyfriend's roomate turned 30 and we celebrated it at John's. Little did I know it was an old-school pizzeria (my bf left that part out) so I was decked out as if I was going to Spice Market. Much to my pleasant surprise, the pizza was beyond amazing. Paper thin crust, perfectly salted mozzarella, and fresh toppings of onions, olives, peppers, sausage and meatball filled our small white plates. Service was fantastic and the beer ever-flowing.

If you live in New York City or just visiting, be sure to stop at this small, easy-to-miss spot on Bleecker. There will be a wait, just like any other great New York staple, but I promise it will meet your expectations.

Eat.Here.Now: Boca Chica

If you're ever around the East Village and want to eat amazing latin food for a good price, go to Boca Chica. Main entries range from $13 to $25 bucks and they serve pretty big portions. But be careful with the drinks, you'll be tipsy off of one margarita.

(photo: nymag)

I recommend:

- Chicken Havana: Chicken breast sauteed with almonds and other yummy ingredients I can't remember off the top of my head :)

- Ropa Vieja: Shredded beef in a delicious tomato based sauce

- Beef Piononos: Spicy ground beef wrapped around sweet plantains (bold combination, delicious result)

Location:

13 1st. Ave (on the corner on 1st St) NY 10003

Closest train: F train, 2nd Ave/LES stop

Buen provecho.