Insomnia Cookies

Insomnia Cookies is intoxicatingly delicious.  You know it’s the real deal when you’re in conversation about the spot and the stranger in front of you turns around to give you not one…but two thumbs up.  Yes, take the hint that it is worth checking out.  The cookies are top notch and only sold for a mere $1.25.  Splurge for the superior option and get the Deluxe Cookies only $2.25.  Try the Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Cookie with thick chunks of Reese’s Pieces or the S’mores Deluxe with bits of Marshmallow and Cookie Chips tucked inside.  For true traditional chocolate lovers, indulge in the Triple Chocolate Chunk Cookie oozing with chocolaty goodness.  Insomnia Cookie truly caters to the munchie crowd.  The bakery is open until 3:00am daily and makes deliveries to costumers untill 2:30am in the morning.

LOCATION: 50 West 8th Street (Between Mac Dougal St & Avenue of the Americas) - $

NEAREST TRANSIT: (1,2) (A,B,C,D,E,F,M) (L)

LOCATION: 405 Amsterdam Avenue (Between 79th & 80st Street) - $

NEAREST TRANSIT: (1,2) (A,B,C)

MORE INFORMATION: www.insomniacookies.com 

Luke's Lobster

Luke's Lobster has been highly praised as the creme deal creme of Lobster Rolls in Manhattan.  The seafood eatery has over time grown to three store fronts throughout town churning out roll after roll daily.  Unfortunately, like a child who learns that Santa is but a figmant of his imagination, the rolls are not as heavenly as they claim.  While the lobster meat is plentiful and served cold with spices and a touch of mayo, the true downfall lies in the puny thin hot dog bun that tastes like garlic bread.  Surprisingly, the New England Clam Chowder is the best dish served.  Although the clam meat and potatoes are cut into minuscule chunks, the overall soup consistency and rich creamy taste stems true to what a traditional New England Clam Chowder should.

LOCATION: 93 East 7th Street (Between 1st Ave & Avenue A)

NEAREST TRANSIT: (4,5,6) (F) (L)

LOCATION: 242 East 81st Street (Between 3rd & 2nd Avenue) - $$.5

NEAREST TRANSIT: (4,5,6)

LOCATION: 426 Amsterdam Avenue (Between 80th & 81st Street) - $$.5

NEAREST TRANSIT: (1,2) (A,B,C)

MORE INFORMATION: www.lukeslobster.com

Morandi Restaurant

HANSEL AND GRETEL'S COTTAGE?

Owner Keith McNally is no stranger to the restaurant industry.  With highly regarded award winning restaurants like Balthazar and Patis, McNally’s New York City eateries cater to the casually chic Euro crowd.  Morandi in Greenwich Village amplifies the same posh vibe with a rustic Italian twist.   Narrow brick archways with exposed brick walls and petite wooden tables set the tone for the intimate dining experience.  Arrive during happy hour to find the stylish energetic crowd and a bar packed with socials and models alike.  The crowd is beautiful.  

The food is secondary to the atmosphere yet the evening menu is straightforward and reliably delicious although it is difficult to peg one dish as the standout.  The most recent draw seems to be the weekend brunch receiving great praise.  Try the Fazzoletti di ricotta - ricotta fritter ($13) or the Fazzoletti di ricotta - crepes with lemon, ricotta & strawberries ($13) both dishes shown above.  Arrive during the week and some dishes are marked nearly 40% off the brunch menu.  But let’s face it, the vast majority of New Yorkers don’t have the time or drive to get out for breakfast on a weekday. The evidence? Check your local Starbucks, no wonder the lines are so long. 

LOCATION: 211 Waverly Place (Between 10th and Charles Street) - $$$

NEAREST TRANSIT: (1,2,3), (A,B,C,D,E,F,M)

MORE INFORMATION: www.morandiny.com

Prosperity Dumpling

Is it cheap? Definitely.  Is it completely sanitary? Well...Maybe not. Is it delicious? Without a doubt. Prosperity Dumpling in the heart of China Town is the epitome of the best bang for your buck. With an occupancy of less than 10 people, the dumpling dive is not the type of place to sit and linger.  Behold the satisfying bundles of joy come in a small styrofoam container 5 dumplings for $1.  Start the feast with the #4) Chives & Pork Fried Dumplings and finish with the thick, dense and doughy #15) Sesame Pancakes.

LOCATION: 46 Eldridge Street (Between Hester & Canal Street) -$

NEAREST TRANSIT: (B,D) (F) (J)

Wafels & Dinges

A big corporate consultant at IBM, Thomast DeGeest, gave up his career to start a new venture.  Today DeGeest is known as the "The Wafel King of New York" and locals and tourist are flocking to the Wafels & Dinges yellow truck  to take a bite out of his success.  Covered in every major publication under the sun - from New York Times to Food & Wine to MSNBC - it's safe to say DeGeest has made his mark.

LOCATE THE FOOD TRUCK VISIT: http://www.wafelsanddinges.com/location.html - $

Caracas Aprea Bar

Widely exposed through Throwdown with Bobby Flay on the Food Network in 2008, Caracas Arepa Bar currently churns out a whopping 1,000 arepas daily.  The little artsy hole in the wall restaurant racks up an hour long wait at any given time of day but the unique meal is well worth the wait.  

But wait, what are these pita like pockets? Arepas are "straight from Venezuela, with New York temperament, stuffed or plain, arepas can be a snack or a meal, exotic or familiar.  Their versatility is probably their only constant and the reason why in Venezuela they are at the center of every meal; from breakfast to lunch, dinner, and the occasional after party treat" claims the Caracas Arepa Bar. 

Stand out Signature Dishes  

LOCATION: 93 1/2 East 7th Street (Between 2nd & Avenue A) - $$

NEAREST TRANSIT: (4,5,6) (F) (L)

MORE INFORMATION: http://www.caracasarepabar.com/index_2.php

Pomme Frites

LOCATION: 123 2nd Avenue (Between 7th Street and St Marks Place) - $

NEAREST TRANSIT: (4,5,6) (N,R) (L)

MORE INFORMATION: http://www.pommesfrites.ws/

Restaurant Detour - Recipe Worthwhile

Meatballs Avgolemono

(veal meatballs in a lemon & egg sauce)

                      YIELDS 3

Murray's Bagles

Bagels in New York City are religion and Murray's Bagels are the best.  While bagels may be the generic go-to for breakfast, Murray's Bagels are anything but simplistic and dull.  Each bagel is individually hand rolled every day, kettle-boiled and then baked with the basic ingredients of flour, yeast, water and salt.  The cream cheese is notable and the selection is endless. Both creamy and perfectly blended, the lox and vegetable spread pack a punch of flavor.  The best part – Murray's Bagels is not shy with the cream cheese and each bagel contains a generous heap.  

LOCATION: 500 Avenue of the Americas (Between 12th and 13th Street) *original location* - $

NEAREST TRANSIT: (L) (F,M) (1,2,3)

LOCATION: 242 8th Avenue (Btwn 22nd and 23rd Street) - $

NEAREST TRANSIT: (A,C,E), (1,2)

MORE INFORMATION: http://www.murraysbagels.com/index2.htm 

Souvlaki GR

After a few weeks of feeding eager Manhattanites it’s no surprise that the Souvlaki GR food truck has won the hearts of New Yorkers.  Taking home the Vendy’s 2010: Rookie Award and opening up a permanent store front only six months later, the restaurant has developed a vast following on the lower east side. The Greek eatery mirrors those on the island of Mikonos.  The décor is adorable.  The whimsical avant-garde floor is painted white and grey to resemble a sea of cobble stone.  Souvlaki GR even has a stand inside selling Greek newspapers, magazines and traditional treats.  Walking into Souvlaki GR host and co-owner, Abby Sierros, greets everyone like family.  The restaurant is the perfect place to linger and there is something completely genuine about the space.

  

The menu is straight forward, simple and authentic souvlaki is the focal dish. The marinated chicken or pork souvlaki is served inside a warm doughy pita accompanying fresh tomatoes, tzatziki sauce, slice of red onion and french fries folded inside just like in Greece ($4.50).  Since the portions are small, the perfect addition to the meal is the pikilia that serves two.  The pikilia is a plate of warm pita and french fires with a variety of delicious side dipping sauces ($10).  To top off the delicious feast and order a carafe of Greek wine that serves four for only $22.

LOCATION: 116 Stanton Street (Between Ludlow & Essex Street) - $

NEAREST TRANSIT: (F), (J,M,Z)

MORE INFORMATION: http://www.souvlakigr.com/

Road Trip - The Best Of Philadelphia

Want to venture out of New York City for a quick getaway but don't quite have the funds? Bolt Bus may be the answer to your end of the summer blues.  A round trip ticket to Philadelphia is only $27 (that's $13 per way).  Just think of all the10 minute cab rides you have spent that cost more than a 2 hour bus ride to another state.  Below are two restaurants in Philly that are worth the trek.

Molly's Cupcakes

THE VERY BEST CUPCAKES IN NEW YORK CITY

MADE FROM SCRATCH DAILY

Molly's Cupcakes are truly for the young and the young at heart.  Owner John Nicolaides named the cupcake shop after his third-grade teacher Molly, who would bake her students phenomenal homemade chocolate and vanilla cupcakes on their birthday.  Nicolaides's mission is to honor his idolized teacher and a portion of all the profits are donated directly to schools in the community.  The cozy storefront feels as though you are in a retro elementary school classroom with small desks, wooden swing seats and best of all, the shelves are filled with old school games like connect four, jenga and scrabble. Magnolia Cupcakes are no comparison to Molly's Cupcakes.  Why? Lauren Shockey from The Village Voice comically writes "1. There are no Sex and the City tours. 2. There's seating. 3. There are multiple flavor options. 4. Board games!" Move over Magnolia, there is a new "M" bakery in town. Also featured on...

 

LOCATION: 228 Bleecker Street (Off of 6^th Avenue) - $

         MORE INFORMATION: http://www.mollyscupcakes.com/ 

Grounded

NO, YOU ARE NOT BEING DISCIPLINED

Grounded is a safe haven for creative minds. Behind the low key hidden store front lies a narrow café that transforms the high ceiling space into a small town like shop with hanging plants, colorful paintings and a lounge seating area that makes costumers feel as though they have left New York City for their stay. Another delightful surprise is the large sunroof towards the rear of the cafe allowing natural lighting to seep in. Not only does the low-key hang out have a large communal bookshelf, but it also offers free wifi for guests with a 1 ½ hour time limit that is rarely enforced.

Although the draw is the quaint atmosphere, Grounded has an extensive menu with 100% organic homemade tea blends, an array of organic coffee/smoothie options as well as homemade sandwiches and salads made from fresh produce.

    The Menu                                   The Bookshelf

                              LOCATION: 28 Jane Street (Between 4th Street & Greenwich Avenue) - $

                              MORE INFORMATION: www.groundedcoffee.com

Mark Burger

X MARKS THE SPOT

Possibly the best sliders in New York, Mark Burger has been flying under the radar for too long.  Located on the Saint Mark’s Place strip, the burger bar blends into the uniquely artistic neighborhood like a chameleon on a tree.  NYU students and East Village locals flock to Mark Burger for the great value, cool vibe and late night hours that Mark Burger has to offer. 

A real recession deal, $2 gets customers a 2oz  juicy beef burger infused with ooey gooey american cheese and thick slivers of sweet onions.  Mark Burger is anti lettuce and tomatoes and claims that “if you want a salad you can go down the street”.  Not to worry, the trio of homemade sauce (jalapeño-honey, chipotle ketchup, and barbecue) will surely not dissapoint.  Like the food, the Guinness Shake is made to perfection with homemade Guiness reduction, vanilla ice cream and gelato.  The combination will leave you full, tipsy and content.

                              LOCATION: 33 St. Marks Place (Between 3rd Avenue & Astor Place) - $

                              MORE INFORMATION: www.stmarksburger.com/

                               

Momofuku Noodle Bar

I GUESS YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT

Written about in every notable publication under the sun, Chef Chang as built an empire of several award-winning restaurants throughout the metropolitan area (i.e Momofuku Noodle Bar, Momofuku Ssam Bar, Momofuku Ko, Ma Peche and Milk Bar). The 33-year old Chef has already made his mark in the culinary world taking home four James Beard awards and named Chef of the Year by GQ, Food & Wine and Bon Apitite. Needless to say, Chef Chang is no one to mess with. In Japanese, Momofuku means “lucky peach” but the jokester Chef says it is no accident that the word in English sounds like, well you fill in the blank.

Steamed Pork Buns                                   Momofuku Ramen

Opening its doors on August 2004, Momofuku Noodle Bar was the first Momufuku Restaurant to break out onto the New York City scene. The modern restaurant is simplistic in its décor yet vibrant in its bustling crowd with mostly communal seating. The noodles aren't the small cheap packets of dried instant noodles you may have regretfully snacked on in college, Momofuku Noodle Bar provides a contemporary take on homemade ramen with layers of flavor in every bite. The signature starter is the Steamed Pork Buns ($10) that are so tender that they melt in your mouth and the go to entrée is obviously the noodle dishes ($16) hence the name of the restaurant.

                             LOCATION: 171 1st Avenue (Between 10th Street & 11th Street) -$$

                             MORE INFORMATION: www.momofuku.com/restaurants/noodle-bar/