Plaza Food Hall

As part of todd english's chain here in nyc, the food hall is ... essentially an european styled food hall. With different stations set around the hall, you can order from any of those. Depending on where you get seated, you may have some nice views of watching the food being prepared. It's actually a classy sit down food place, as opposed to initial impressions of being a large food court. Names are definitely deceiving, especially without researching before going.

Butternut Squash Ravioli

With their signature pastas available in different sizes, we started with the butternut squash ravioli. Arriving before all the other food - this allowed us to sample this first. Whether being hungry had an effect or not, this was definitely a great ravioli. Sizing was a little disappointing, as it disappeared quite quickly. The sweetness of the squash going with the ravioli was a perfect match.

Classic Flatbread Pizza

Couldn't resist the flatbread pizza's, and to go with their simple classic pizza was a smart decision. A light crispy outside with just enough simple flavours. This included some roasted tomato sauce, bufala mozzarella and basil. It's not surprising that simple makes all the difference to enjoy the flavours.

Berber Smoked Pork Shoulder

It was a sunday... and couldn't resist a sunday roast of berber smoked pork shoulder. Not your typical sunday roast, but a nice variation. Grilled focaccia had enough taste, and the smoke pork shoulder was great without any of the dipping sauce. Presentation wasn't the best but the flavours and ambiance of the hall more than made up for it.

Only annoyance, had either a new trainee waitress or she was just too tired. Spilt water 3 whole times while pouring into glasses. Maybe she just couldn't see... and one time was a mini flood on the floor. But I'll give it the benefit of the doubt as it seemed the other tables had no troubles. I would definitely come back, especially with so many choices available here.

1 West 59th Street
(Opposite Central Park)

Cipriani

It's been a while since I've last posted... but I still haven't stopped my quest in continuing to try all the lovely food around here. On the eve of Irene visiting, thought I should give another wall st setting a visit. Set out with lovely greek architecture, in the middle of wall street, featuring 70 foot ceilings... this is definitely a lovely hall setting for any event. As much as I love to enjoy the design and view, I was here for the food.

Cipriani

Butter served in scoops... a very cute touch. Would have look better if the plate was filled, but I'm not sure I could use all that if that were the case.

Galantina Di Pollo

And so I decided to start off with their galantina di pollo. A few thin slices of deboned stuffed chicken meat, served cold. It was reasonable, with the light dressing and that the meat didn't fall apart. A nice light touch to the start.

Cold Broccoli Soup

To add to the starter was some cold broccoli soup. Only downside to this was that the plate and bottom of the bowl was warm. Slight contradiction to the cold soup I must say...

Tagliatelle with Fresh Peas

To go with an interesting night, I opted for their tagliatelle made with fresh peas. A very simple yet effective dish. Pasta was nice, would have preferred it to be a little more al dante, and the pea sauce wasn't too overpowering. However it feel a little plain after a few mouthfuls.

Fruit Tart

To end off, a fruit tart. It's always fun to have some italian where they bring out a whole cart of desserts for you to see and then pick from.

All in all, a reasonable experience here. Food wasn't that impressive compared to other italian places I've been. The location was close to home, and being able to experience the building... that was impressive.

55 Wall Street
(Between William and Hanover Street)

Pronto Pizza

After irene decided to shut down most of nyc, I wasn't really left with many options... What was advertised as the best pizza in ny was only around the corner, and with its dedication to stay open... I was willing to give it a go.

Pepperoni Pizza

Pizza's were available by the slices (or if you really wanted, they could make a whole pie for you). With only the choice of cheese and cheese with pepperoni... of course I got both of them. Surprisingly good pizza for what it's worth. Probably downside is that its a little too oily, but flavour and crisp were there. Also helped that i covered it with chilli flakes too...

As a local pizza store, this definitely surprises. From the view outside, not a pretty place nor a busy place. But locals do keep going back, and rightly so. For a quick slice of pizza, worth the visit compared to all those around.

114 Liberty Street
(Next to WTC Tribute Visitor Center)

Basta Pasta

Finally had the chance to come back here after wanting to for so long. Like I remember, it felt like the best pasta I've had to date, and of course I needed to justify this.

Basta Pasta

It's always nice to see the open kitchen. Typical japanese where hygiene is something that they take care of very well.

Complimentary Starters

The exact same complimentary starters as last time.

Ravioli di Vitello, Proscuitto e Mozzarella

A homemade veal, proscuitto and mozzarella cheese ravioli with fresh tomatoes in parmesan sauce. The parmesan appeared to be a little oily from that initial taste, but otherwise it was reasonably well done.

Spaghetti ai Ricci di Mare

My choice of a light pasta meal. Spaghetti with fresh sea urchin, fresh tomatoes and jalapenos in a garlic hot oil. Serving size was reasonable, but somehow I managed to get through this pretty quickly. Either I was really hungry or it tasted really good... or both. The spaghetti was definitely done perfectly, and with the sweet essence of sea urchin spread across the pasta, it was delicious. One of my favourite pasta's to date, and this isn't served in many places.

Cloud

Couldn't say no to dessert, and I had to try the daily specials of grapefruit pannacotta with ricotta gelato. Now I originally thought this pannacotta would have an infused flavour of grapefruit, but instead... there were actual pieces of grapefruit. The presentation didn't seem to workout well, with the off whites on white... not great for photos or presentation. Taste was a little weird too, just didn't feel that the grapefruit matched the pannacotta right, nor did it go well with the ricotta gelato.

Bluebird

Luckily there was backup in a second dessert. Best when it's all there to share. This was the blueberry almond cake tart and honey gelato. Definitely a better choice. The tart was a lil hard on the crust and base, but otherwise nothing to really complain about.

I'm sure I will come back again... just a matter of time. I guess the main thing to note is that I'll be satisfied on the pasta, and not the desserts.

37 West 17th Street
(Between 5th and 6th Avenue)

Habana Outpost

Having been told of this great cuban joint serving superb grilled corn, it was definitely something to try. It wasn't meant to be a classy, but comforting and enjoyable.

Habana Outpost

Set in the outskirts of brooklyn, I was impressed upon entering the place. Nicely set out, with a large open area that was totally packed. Indoors was much emptier, especially when all the livelihood was outside.

Habana Outpost

Even the way to the restrooms were all painted and set out to a theme

Diablo Chicken Plato

And what did I choose? A definite was the grilled corn, done mexican style with cheese, chilli powder and lime! Although I already know how unhealthy it is, it's definitely good!! Couldn't really get enough of it. The main course, was spicy chicken breast, roasted red peppers on yellow rice and black beans. Such a simple meal yet so flavoursome.

A definite must go to place for a nice comforting cuban meal. However the food is a little more mexican than cuban, but that can be forgiven. Although set out all the way in brooklyn, it's ambiance and lively environment more than makes up for it. Best thing is its more than reasonable price.

775 Fulton Street
(Corner of South Portland Avenue)

Social Eatz

After hearing about social eatz only recently being opened in nyc, it was something to go try. Angelo sosa was the runner up in top chef in season 7, and I'm sure there must be some substance behind that. Given that jean-georges is his mentor, there's some expectation.

Social Eatz

Having got to sit in the newly opened outdoor back area, it was actually quite comforting. Although not in the most comfortable seats, the slight outdoor freshness with some small garden was relaxing. The menu came outlined with american comfort food with an asian touch.

Crispy Spring Rolls

As night started to fall, the fake candles gave off an interesting colour. To start, were some crispy spring rolls. These spring rolls were shrimp with ground chicken. Definitely not your typical fillings. But with some duck sauce made of calamansi, it definitely produced an interesting twist with a sweet and sour flavour.

Hot Wings

The typical american hot wings, except that these were glazed with tamarind, palm sugar and japanese spices. It produced a different type of hotness, but not enough to give it a kick for me.

Bibimbap Burger

And of course I had to go with their famous bibimbap burger. Ground beef with slow cooked egg, lettuce, carrots and cucumber. The sesame seeds topped off the bun, and with some kimchi served on the side... A very korean touch to an american burger. Surprisingly, the flavours worked well for a burger. Especially with the yolk running through it all... a nice touch.

And so angelo's asian touch into american comfort food produces a somewhat surprising result. Comfort food is always nice, but with an asian touch - it's definitely weird and works well. Nothing wow about it all, but a simple casual meal that's out of the ordinary. Probably a little over-priced for what it is, but that's what you get for a top chef. Small touches here and there is what produces the difference. The environment is also nicely set out in a classy pub style environment.

232 East 53rd Street
(Between 2nd and 3rd Avenue)

Hsin Wong

And with the lack of simple food over the many months, sometimes random conversations brings up a craving for simple chinese food.

Hsin Wong

And so I set off back to chinatown for a comforting meal. On one weeknight after work, it was definitely extremely empty. But having heard good things about this place, I'm sure it would be fine.

Roast Pork, Roast Duck and Fried Egg on Rice

Funnily enough, I never usually order rice dishes. But not having a rice cooker here... and not taking the effort to get or make rice, made for an exception. With the option of 2 meats, I went with roast duck and roast pork. It also came with a fried egg, and some cabbage on the side in addition to some simple vege soup. Given the craving I was having, it was actually pretty decent. Better than I expected.

For a very simple and cheap meal, I guess you can't go wrong here =) Next time I'll try for the soups and something fancier.

72 Bayard Street
(Near Mott Street)