Red Rooster


I finally made it to Marcus Samuelsson’s Red Rooster in Harlem after waiting nearly a month for my highly sought-after reservation. Considered to be one of the hottest new restaurants in NYC, Red Rooster has received a complimentary review and a two star rating by Sam Sifton of the New York Times and was the site of President Obama’s recent $30,000 a plate fundraiser.

When we walked in the restaurant we were greeted by a funky shaped bar that preceded the dining area. The striped mahogany bar was in the shape of three semicircles all looping into each other. The brightly lit bar wall that also doubles as a divider between the bar and the dining room, displays various bottles of liquors and wines. There was plenty of room at the bar for comfortable movement and conversation. At the left of the bar is a café-like area with bar stool s and tables next to a rustic wooden book shelf that artistically displays books, plates and photos. At the right of the bar are the hostess, the coat check room and the entrance to dining area. We waited for our table at the bar and enjoyed a nice variety of mixed drinks. One particular drink that I really enjoyed was The Savoy, made with vodka, lemon, muddled grapes and agave, it was very fruitful and tasty.

The main dining room was pretty cool, a semi open kitchen with a communal table next to it. On wall panels that resemble a blackboard’s surface, there is large stylized writing in chalk which adds to the hip, artsy yet subdued decor. Also on the walls, are appropriately hung contemporary paintings. The design concept is reminiscent of DBGB Kitchen downtown. Red Rooster has a very chic and hip atmosphere.

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The buzz of the crowd is audible but never loud or noisy. The beauty of this uptown restaurant in the heart of historic Harlem, is the diversity of the crowd. Persons of various races and ethnicities, the mid-town crowd, business men and women in suits, fashionable hipsters, locals, etc, all coming together having a great time and enjoying Samuelsson’s dishes.

Red Rooster serves American comfort food with a twist of Scandinavian cuisine. I came here for dinner and really enjoyed it. I started out with the Gravlax with Purple Musta for my appetizer; the salmon was very good and tasty. I then had the Grilled Red Snapper made with sour tomato broth and Israeli couscous for my entrée. My first reaction to this meal was it seemed to be too watery, it me made me feel like I had ordered a soup with fish. But when I tasted the dish it was so good!!! It has a sour taste from the broth that compliments the fish. I had a taste of my friends’ entrees: Ox tails and Lemon Chicken, both were great. For dessert I had the sorbet which was good but didn’t stand out from other sorbets I’ve had. The food prices are affordable, no entrée exceeded $33.

Unfortunately Marcus was on vacation when we dined there but I did meet Tiffany Derry who was a contestant on Top Chef Season 7 and Top Chef All star Season 8. She was cool, we chatted for a bit about Top Chief.

For those who are creatures of the downtown and midtown restaurant scene, Red Rooster is definitely worth the trip uptown to Harlem. The food is good and so is the service; the atmosphere and the vibe are also great, what more can you ask for in a restaurant? With the addition of Red Rooster alongside other noteworthy restaurants in the neighborhood, Harlem is a forced to be wrecking with in NYC dining scene.

Red Rooster
310 Lenox Ave
(between 125th St & 126th St)
New York, NY 10027
(212) 792-9001
Official Website

For individuals who are ordering medicines online, there are several significant factors that must be considered. Internet is an ideal practice to get medicaments. Several medicaments are antifungal medicines. There are at least some medicaments for each sicknesses. Levitra is a medication prescribed to treat few ailments. What do you have to view about cialis vs viagra? When you buy remedies like Levitra you should ask your pharmacist about viagra vs cialis. Many drugstores describe it as viagra or cialis. Many probably sure the forcefulness of Levitra is well documented. In addition, there are some of explanations and pharmacists are as a rule able to pinpoint your problem through biological tests. Ordinarily the treatment options may include erectile malfunction medicaments or counseling. Your generic is for you only. Never give your drugs to other folk even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.

Perfect Pairings – White Wine With Red Meat

Red wine is generally the recommended wine pairing for red meat. However, I came across this old video with La Bernadin’s sommelier Aldo Sohm, considered the best sommelier in the world, pairing white wine with red meat. Wine pairing is really about what the individual prefers. I personally prefer white wine with all meals. I find that white wine helps me digest the food better. Red wine on the other hand, is a drink I enjoy on its own, or maybe with a light snack.

Buddakan

Buddakan
75 9th Avenue
New York, NY 10011
(212) 989-6699
Official site

Located in the fashionable and hip area of Chelsea that borders the Meatpacking District is Buddakan, one of the trendiest, hottest and chicest of New York City’s restaurant scene.

The look of the restaurant alone is awesome. Buddakan’s interior is a brave new world – the fusion of French royalty and Chinese dynasty with a modern twist. Upon entering you are immediately blown away by a huge European styled painting behind the concierge wall. After the concierge experience you are directed to a cool and very impressive bar lounge/waiting area. The Asian themed space is full of beautiful and fashionable people waiting to be seated.

From the waiting area you are escorted like royalty to your table by a tall gorgeous and elegant hostess. While walking downstairs to the dining area, you can’t resist being impressed by the aerial views of the French 18th century styled Grand Dining Hall. At the hall’s center sits a very long communal table which can seat several guests. The table is complemented by 4 stunning chandeliers hovering directly above. My guest and I were seated in the dining section at the left of the grand hall called the “Golden Library.” Walls inlaid with bookshelves filled with glowing golden books, the Golden Library is also complete with its own small lounge. A third dining section, “The Buddha Room,” is situated directly opposite the Grand Dining Hall and near the restroom. This Asian inspired room is decorated with many pictures of various interpretations of the Buddha, a change in ambiance from the modern “Golden Library” and the French styled Grand Dining Hall. Buddakan is huge, dark and loud but that’s the beauty of this amazing restaurant.

The painting behind the concierge desk

Lounge/Waiting area

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Buddha Room

Communal Table/Main Dining Hall

Lounge/Waiting Area

Golden Library

Golden Library

Golden Library

 

 

 

 

The food is Asian fusion served family style. The last time I was here I started out with the deviled tuna tartare with chilli mayonnaise and scallion, one of my favorite Buddakan dishes. For my entrée I had the whole crispy fish with napa cabbage, apple and water chestnut; and my guest had the broken chilli chicken made with Chinese thai basil. Both entrées were very tasty. We also ordered a side order of vegetable fried rice with coconut foam, the best vegetable fried rice I’ve tasted so far. The food here is delicious and very savory. The average appetizer price is about $15, entrees are $25-$40 and drink prices are pretty average for New York City. I spent $65 (excluding gratuity) per person for a three course dinner and 2 glasses of wine.

broken chili chicken

Whole crispy fish

Vegetable fried rice

Deviled tuna tartare

 

 

Service was top notch from the concierge personnel, the hostess, our waitress and even the bus staff and security. Our waitress was very attentive, friendly and answered all of our questions. It seemed as though she knew how every meal was cooked and all the ingredients included.

Buddakan has a great look and feel and if that wasn’t enough the food is also great. The soft lighting and cool music added just the right finishing touches; a great place for a date or to just to have a night out with friends.

For individuals who are ordering medicines online, there are several significant factors that must be elaborate. Internet is an ideal practice to get medicaments. Several medicaments are antifungal medicines. There are at least some medicaments for each sicknesses. Levitra is a medication set to treat few ailments. What do you have to view about cialis vs viagra? When you buy remedies like Levitra you should ask your dispenser about viagra vs cialis. Many drugstores describe it as viagra or cialis. Many probably sure the forcefulness of Levitra is well documented. In addition, there are some of explanations and pharmacists are ordinarily able to pinpoint your problem through biological tests. Ordinarily the treatment options may include erectile disfunction medicaments or counseling. Your generic is for you only. Never give your drugs to other folk even if their state appears to be the same as yours.

Modernist Cuisine: The Art of Science and Cooking

For the past couple of weeks Nathan Myhrvold’s six-volume cookbook, “The Modernist Cuisine: The Art and Science of Cooking,” has been the talk of the town, dominating the news media in NYC. Michelin star chefs like Daniel Boulud, Jean-Georges Vongerichten and Wylie Dufresne all agree that the modernist cuisine techniques and taste are amazing.

A former Chief Technology Officer at Microsoft, Myhrvold’s interest in both cooking and science led him to write this cookbook along with co-authors chefs Chris Young and Maxime Bilet. Young and Bilet both worked at Fat Duck in England, considered one of the best restaurants in the world.

The list price for the cookbook is $625, but it can be purchased at Amazon.com for $460., although it is currently out of stock.

Modernist cuisine is a very interesting culinary style. I don’t cook, but I would love to get my hands on all six volumes just to read about how the food is prepared and to learn about the interesting cooking techniques and gadgets that are used

Official wbesite

For individuals who are ordering medicines online, there are several significant factors that must be elaborate. Internet is an ideal practice to get medicaments. Several medicaments are antifungal medicines. There are at least some medicaments for each sicknesses. Levitra is a medication preassigned to treat few ailments. What do you have to consider about cialis vs viagra? When you buy remedies like Levitra you should ask your dispenser about viagra vs cialis. Many drugstores describe it as viagra or cialis. Many probably sure the forcefulness of Levitra is well documented. In addition, there are some of explanations and pharmacists are as a rule able to pinpoint your problem through biological tests. Ordinarily the treatment options may turn on erectile disfunction medicaments or counseling. Your generic is for you only. Never give your drugs to other people even if their status appears to be the same as yours.

Wall and Water

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Wall and Water
@ the Andaz Hotel
75 Wall st.
New York NY 10005
212-699-1700
Official site

*This venue is now closed.

While walking along Water and Wall Street I discovered Wall and Water Restaurant, contemporary American cuisine in the heart of the Financial District. Although the entrance is located on Pearl St., the restaurant is actually above the lobby of the Andaz Hotel. When my friend and I arrived for dinner we had to pass through Bar Seven Five (a pretty cool looking bar) and go up a marble staircase to the restaurant. A huge marble table that mimics a kitchen center table is the first sight you will encounter. Situated at the center of the restaurant, the table showcased a variety of fresh sea food. I was impressed with overall décor; contemporary, simple and stylish. The layout was designed for comfort with nicely spaced tables and chairs allowing for diners to have the right amount of intimate space. The interior was designed by David Rockwell’s Rockwell Group the same group that designed NOBU TriBeCa and NOBU 57. I like the open space dining room which gives you a view of the action in the open kitchen. I requested to be seated near the kitchen to witness the chef prepare our meals. Pretty cool stuff!!!

Wall and Water uses seasonal ingredients that are grown from local Hudson Valley farms. We both opted for the chef family style tasting menu ($95.) which consisted of 4 courses with wine pairings ($63. without wines pairings.) We let the chef perform his magic and prepare a meal that he designed just for us. We were not disappointed. The ingredients were very fresh and the servings were large enough to share. The presentation was simple and the food was very tasty. The $95 price tag for the chef tasting menu was actually a bargain in NYC.

The staff was very friendly and the service was great. Our server was very knowledgeable and attentive. The chef de cuisine was also very friendly. Before he prepared our food he came over and introduced himself and asked for us if we had any dietary preferences or restrictions. Throughout the dinner he came by our table multiple times to chat and to make sure everything was ok. The Executive Chef Maximo Lopez May would be pleased to know that he has a very good chef de cuisine running the show.

The bar and restaurant had a generally good atmosphere. The crowd was the typical men in business suits from Wall Street, out of town business travelers and some locals catching a break to relax from the grind.

Although the Financial District is not typically known as a dining destination, but with restaurants like Cipriani, the Michellin star SHO by Shaun Hergartt, the Financial District might become more than just a place where people go to work. A bit premature to be compared with TriBeCa or the West Village dining scene, lower Manhattan has a few great restaurants worth taking the downtown hike – Wall and Water is one of them. I would recommend Wall and Water to anyone. Great atmosphere, stylish décor, amazing service and good food are the makings of a very good restaurant.

For individuals who are ordering medicines online, there are several significant factors that must be considered. Internet is an ideal practice to get medicaments. Several medicaments are antifungal medicines. There are at least some medicaments for each sicknesses. Levitra is a curing prescribed to treat few ailments. What do you have to view about cialis vs viagra? When you buy remedies like Levitra you must ask your dispenser about viagra vs cialis. Many drugstores describe it as viagra or cialis. Many probably sure the forcefulness of Levitra is well documented. In addition, there are some of explanations and pharmacists are ordinarily able to pinpoint your problem through biological tests. Ordinarily the treatment options may turn on erectile dysfunction medicaments or counseling. Your generic is for you only. Never give your drugs to other people even if their status appears to be the same as yours.

Vino Vino Wine Bar

*This venue is now closed.

I’m always looking to do something on a Sunday evening to ease my dreariness knowing that the weekend is over and its back to the grind.  When I came across Vino Vino winebar in TriBeCa, I found what I was seeking.

Vino Vino is part wine store (Maslow 6) and part wine bar with one main entrance for both. The place is narrow and long with an exposed red brick wall and a glass partition at the center which separates the store from the lounge. At the end of the lounge is a bar that is hidden from the main entrance.  The comfortable brown couches and stools and the lit candles on the tables gives Vino Vino a nice intimate and relaxing feel.

The wine list is impressive, 30+ plus wines are available by the glass. The food is also good, small tasty bites that complement the wine. What I love most is that it has one of the best deals in NYC; half off on all bottles of wine all day Sunday and Monday and half off from 5PM-7PM the rest of the week. On my last visit, my friends and I enjoyed two bottles of Les Saveurs white wine for a mere $30 bucks!!! That is unbelievable in NYC.

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I’ve been here on a few occasions (mostly on a Sunday night) and my experience has always been pleasant. The service is always good and consistent. Its nice quiet atmosphere allows you the pleasure of enjoying your wine while having a conversation in soft tones, rather than yelling above noise. The funky music playing in the background adds to the cool atmosphere, it does not overpower your conversations or your solo chill time.  This is an excellent place to unwind after a long days work or just to meet up with friends.

The great wine list, cool décor, relaxing atmosphere and amazing deal makes Vino Vino a treasure possessed by TriBeCan’s and envied by the rest of us. This place is officially my number one Sunday night spot.

Vino Vino Wine Bar
211 W Broadway
New York, NY 10013
(212) 925-8510
Official Site

For individuals who are ordering medicines online, there are several significant factors that must be elaborate. Internet is an ideal practice to get medicaments. Several medicaments are antifungal medicines. There are at least some medicaments for each sicknesses. Levitra is a medication prescribed to treat few ailments. What do you have to view about cialis vs viagra? When you buy remedies like Levitra you have to ask your druggist about viagra vs cialis. Many drugstores describe it as viagra or cialis. Many probably sure the forcefulness of Levitra is well documented. In addition, there are some of explanations and pharmacists are mostly able to pinpoint your problem through biological tests. Ordinarily the treatment options may turn on erectile malfunction medicaments or counseling. Your generic is for you only. Never give your drugs to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.

Rooftop Garden at the GPH (Gramercy Park Hotel)

Rooftop Garden
@ the Gramercy Park Hotel
2 Lexington Ave
New York, NY 10010
(212) 920-3300
Official Site

An urban oasis away from NYC’s hustle and bustle, the Rooftop Garden on the 16th floor of the Gramercy Park Hotel was once a private rooftop but is now open the public. It resembles the private rooftop garden of one of America’s wealthy aristocratic families of the 1920’s.

I’ve been to the Gramercy Park Rooftop Garden a few times and I’ve always been impressed with its beauty. The vintage classic décor makes up for an OK view. The indoor space reflects a more classic ambiance which is highlighted by a room with a fireplace and dark brown leather couches.  The centerpiece of the room is a display of thousands of light bulbs hanging above on the ceiling serving as a chandelier. The walls are decorated with original art work by Andy Warhol and Damien Hirst.

The outdoor section wraps around the top of the hotel along with its retractable roof covered in vines that run through its skeletal frames. The arrangement of chairs, tables and richly colored green plants and colorful flowers allow for a comfortable setting and intimate conversation.  At night, the outdoor patio is lit with candles and dim hanging light bulbs setup for a romantic evening. From the plants and vines to the wicker couches and old chairs, the outdoor area has the appearance of a vintage garden.

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The rooftop garden is open all year around and also serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, and brunch on the weekend.  I haven’t had a chance to taste the food yet, the rooftop garden menus are separate from the ground level restaurant Mialano. The drinks are very expensive but well worth it, the average glass of wine is between $15-$20 and specialty drink prices are between $20-$25.

The quiet relaxing atmosphere is great for an intimate gathering of a small group of friends, while the evening also brings out the romantic side of garden. Lighted candles, dimly lit lights and just the right volume of smooth music makes this one the best date spots in NYC. If you’re ever in this part of town make sure you visit the Rooftop Garden at the Gramercy Park Hotel, you’re guaranteed to have a great time.

For individuals who are ordering medicines online, there are several significant factors that must be considered. Internet is an ideal practice to get medicaments. Several medicaments are antifungal medicines. There are at least some medicaments for each sicknesses. Levitra is a medication prescribed to treat few ailments. What do you have to view about cialis vs viagra? When you buy remedies like Levitra you should ask your pharmacist about viagra vs cialis. Many drugstores describe it as viagra or cialis. Many probably sure the forcefulness of Levitra is well documented. In complement, there are some of explanations and pharmacists are ordinarily able to pinpoint your problem through biological tests. Ordinarily the treatment options may include erectile dysfunction medicaments or counseling. Your generic is for you only. Never give your drugs to other men even if their status appears to be the same as yours.

A Mouthful (Trailer)

A Mouthful is a documentary of the rise and fall of one of the most talented chef’s in NYC, Paul Liebrandt. Currently, Paul is the executive chef of Corton, a two Michelin star  restaurant in TriBeCa. The film will premiere at the South By Southwest Film Festival in March. It’s a very interesting film that I would definitely watch. Unfortunately ,there’s currently no additional information on when the film will be shown nationwide or in NYC.

A Mouthful – Trailer from Sally Rowe on Vimeo.

Website

Facebook Page

For individuals who are ordering medicines online, there are several significant factors that must be considered. Internet is an ideal practice to get medicaments. Several medicaments are antifungal medicines. There are at least some medicaments for each sicknesses. Levitra is a therapy set to treat few ailments. What do you have to view about cialis vs viagra? When you buy remedies like Levitra you must ask your pharmacist about viagra vs cialis. Many drugstores describe it as viagra or cialis. Many probably sure the forcefulness of Levitra is well documented. In complement, there are some of explanations and pharmacists are as a rule able to pinpoint your problem through biological tests. Ordinarily the treatment options may include erectile dysfunction medicaments or counseling. Your generic is for you only. Never give your drugs to other people even if their state appears to be the same as yours.

ACME Bar and Grill

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ACME Bar and Grill
9 Great Jones st.
New York NY 10012
212-420-1934
Official site

*This venue is now closed.

Located in the NoHo (North of Houston st.) section of Manhattan and around the corner from such restaurants as Bond St. Sushi and Il Buco is ACME Bar and Grill. At first glance this Cajun/Southern styled bistro’s awning suggests hardware store, but don’t be put off, ACME may just become one of your favorite spots for tasty comfort food.

I came here for brunch one Sunday afternoon. I had the fried chicken stake with eggs, cheese grits and home fries. It’s one of those meals that you try not to make a habit of eating, basically heart attack food, but nevertheless very good! For $12 a hearty brunch comes with a brunch entrée, cornbread, coffee or tea and a cocktail or wine. In true Cajun/Southern style the servings are huge; I wasn’t even able to finish my meal.

The décor is very homey and made to evoke a southern feel. There is a great painting along the wall that depicts Louisiana and its Cajun roots. The walls and ceiling are also filled southern football team flags, great quirky vintage oil company signs like “Sunco,” and vintage and neon beer ads. One wall is dedicated to framed hand painted pictures of country singers and beneath that is an endless display of bottles of numerous brands of hot sauce.

The next time I come here it will be for dinner and I’ll also check out their lounge downstairs below the restaurant. I hear they have great performances from local artist.  ACME Bar and Grill is a well priced cozy place for down home comfort food done just right. Just be ready to eat.



For individuals who are ordering medicines online, there are several significant factors that must be considered. Internet is an ideal practice to get medicaments. Several medicaments are antifungal medicines. There are at least some medicaments for each sicknesses. Levitra is a medication prescribed to treat few ailments. What do you have to consider about cialis vs viagra? When you buy remedies like Levitra you must ask your pharmacist about viagra vs cialis. Many drugstores describe it as viagra or cialis. Many probably sure the forcefulness of Levitra is well documented. In addition, there are some of explanations and pharmacists are mostly able to pinpoint your problem through biological tests. Ordinarily the treatment options may include erectile dysfunction medicaments or counseling. Your generic is for you only. Never give your drugs to other men even if their state appears to be the same as yours.