Oh! Taisho

After a massive long stroll (yes, probably one of the longest I've done walking up and down around all of town), got convinced to join a friend into the village for some ramen. Unfortunately after the long walk, came a long wait - which by then, I think we weren't up for.

Oh! Taisho

Around the corner was some yakitori, which was something I haven't had for definitely a long long time. My last memory was actually in Japan itself a few years ago.

Oh! Taisho

Once inside, it was another tiny joint - definitely reminds me of the stores in japan too. However this place had a lot more guys working and an english menu!

Got a seat at the bar, watching them cook. Closer to the food, and the great grill smell =) Even nice to watch some flames going on!

Calpis

What better way than to start with some refreshing calpis. By the definition of "large", this was... more than just large. Only issue was, this was overly sweet (which doesn't surprise me) and not your typical calpis...

Seared Duck

Started with some seared duck and salad from their specials menu... slightly chewy - but good taste. The onions and lemons give it some contrast and accentuate the freshness.

Sushi Roll

Some cooked sushi roll... that was not what I expected. Rice was too soft and falling apart, pretty much over cooked? Didn't even finish it... shouldn't order something like that again. Wasn't that memorable, and I can't even remember what was even in it.

Tsukune and Yotsumi

Chicken chunk skewers, along with some chicken meatballs. I preferred the actual chicken chunks funnily enough, as the chicken meatballs reminded me of vietnamese pork through its sweet taste. Both tasted well and wasn't over cooked =)

Ika Yaki

Some ika yaki (grilled squid). Squid is always great when its not overdone, and not too chewy. This was done good, apart from the fact that it didn't have much flavour. The sauce provided some, but it was only really on the outer layer. Probably should have been marinated for a while longer before getting cooked!

Overall, a nice place to have some yakitori. Even better when there wasn't much of a wait (all due to lucky timing I guess). Probably would go back and try some other skewers and options.

9 Saint Marks Place
(Near 3rd Avenue)

My Moon

And so, an unexpected night out to williamsburg on a friday night meant for some... interesting times. What better way than to explore some unknown area than to pick a random place to go before a few drinks.

My Moon

Upon entering a large warehouse (redone extremely well), we're greeting with some artwork that covers most of the walls. The theme matches the restaurant name - my moon. The dimly lit warehouse gives the extra mystic feel of the moon.

Moonlight

To start off the night, nothing better than the restaurant's moonlight cocktail to go with the theme!

My Moon

The slightly oversized menu with a reasonable amount of choices. As a mediterranean restaurant, wasn't sure what to expect. But it presented with a nice selection of tapas and mains.

Shishito Peppers

Some shishito peppers that didn't have much presentation... nor any taste (apart from the sea salt scattered around the plate)... relatively disappointing really

Foie Gras in Ox Tail

Foie gra... I have always loved it and will always order when I get the chance! Now this was part of the day's special, and from memory... foie gras in ox tail with potato. Now the ox tail was tender and soft, falling apart as you place your fork through it... right in the middle is the little piece of soft and tender foie gra! Tho the most intriguing and memorable part of the dish was actually the side of potato!! What appears to look like cream or egg white just poured over the side - turned out to be potato foam, or froth depending how you looked at it. At times, it felt like just air... literally. Never knew you could have such a great texture for potato, with it being so light - yet so full of flavour! A definite recommendation =)

184 North 10th Street
(Near Driggs Avenue)
Brooklyn

Five Guys

Another stroll around town brings me to another burger place! nyc is definitely the place to be for a burger that's for sure. Voted as the best burger, best fries, etc etc... surely had to give it a try. Although should note the awards were back in 2006 and 2007... a lot can happen within a few months, let alone YEARS!

Five Guys

It presents me with a red and white theme... was quite early, and was quite empty as I was there. But not long after, it was packed! Surely had to mean something... You make your order at one side of the counter, and pick it up from the other. 

Five Guys

And so you start by picking what type of burger you want... a "little" or a regular, hamburger or cheeseburger or with bacon... then you decide your toppings... To save deciding, I went with everything =P and added some jalepenos!

While waiting, you can grab a tray of peanuts in their shell... and its all self serve in a massive tub!! Yummmm

Cheeseburger

So it appears that the "regular" burger comes with two patties! and the cheese is right between the patties all melted over... Here the burgers are done well done (unless you specify), so I let it go at what they recommend. The melted cheese, ketchup and mayo helps make the patty stay moist and not too dry. Quite nice and quite filling! Sizing didn't look large, but it was more than enough. Especially when you factor in the hand cut fries (and the large serving is quite large!!)

316 West 34th Street 

(Between 8th and 9th Avenue)

Bryant Park Grill

It was a colleagues birthday who wanted to try out this place. An americano style dining, set against a lovely backdrop of bryant park.

Bryant Park Grill

Upon entering, it was actually quite a large restaurant! With some nice decorations and paintings along the walls, was a nice feeling. Looking the other way, with the full glass windows - bryant park. However, as night set... there wasn't much to see outside. It was "interesting" that at such an expected nice place, the tables were very ordinary.

Zinfandel

To start off the night, would be some wine. Upon a random selection we came across this, a zinfandel. Wasn't sure what to expect and the first taste was ... a little sharp. Gave it some time to breathe and it was definitely much more enjoyable.

Sea Grill

The sea grill. A grilled whole lobster (as exciting as that sounds, the size was pretty small), shrimp, and scallops served over saffron tomato rice topped off with herb butter sauce. Quite disappointing with the servicing size and the taste... presentation was average but wasn't up to scratch from what you'd expect at a fine dining place.

Filet Mignon

The grilled filet mignon. Requested for medium rare with fingerling potatoes, swiss chard, charred onions and maitake mushrooms. With the table not exactly level, the limited sauce all going towards one side of the plate slightly put off the presentation of the dish. Usually filet mignons are to die for, but this was just... overcooked, and superly bland. Although there was some of the grilled flavour on the outside... inside... it really just didn't taste like beef.

An overly disappointing night for what was thought to be a good a place. I guess it's hard to have both the environment and food both going well... Definitely not worth going to, or coming back for. Didn't help when the waiter drops the cutlery while attempting to clean up the table either... View would be nice, probably better over lunch. Food... don't bother

25 West 40th Street
(Bryant Park)

Milk Bar

As always, it's one of the best things to look forward to for a weekend. Especially a saturday morning in search of some nice coffee.

Milk Bar

This week was different. First time that we've decided to make a trek into brooklyn for coffee. We've heard how all the great coffee is there, but had always lived in hope that there was something good enough in manhattan.

Milk Bar

Now what's a milk bar without milk bottles? Run by another aussie, expectations were high. And with the place totally packed in the morning... sounded like this might have been a great decision

Skim Latte

A large skim latte that my friend always orders... served in a counter culture coffee mug.

Latte

My regular latte, in its normal glass cup. From first sip, wow... I could taste the coffee and you could feel the caffeine run through the body. For sure, I was impressed. Definitely one of the best to date! It's hard to compare this against La Colombe which was my first real coffee here... The first time is always memorable =)

HCT Croissant

To finish it off, a ham, tomato, gruyere cheese, scrambled eggs croissant sandwich!! My word, to date this is the best scrambled eggs I've had! Crispy croissant to go with it, the eggs were just... fabulous! It's amazing that the eggs were not overdone, with section of the egg white done separately mixed in with the rest. Add to that, some freshly cracked pepper... I am definitely coming back here for more!

620 Vanderbilt Ave
(Corner Prospect Place)

Petraca Cucina E Vino

Haven't actually gone out for Italian properly since I've been here (except for Pizza)... and was looking forward to some nice pasta. Came across this nicely done Italian place called Petraca Cucina E Vino, which wasn't too far away from home (more than enough of a walk).

Not a large place, but more than reasonable. With that dimly lit environment, it provided a large (quite large) selection of wines that had to be tried!

I still find it amusing that the serve the wine to you in a decanter bottle, before pouring half of it into your glass. Generous serving sizes =)

To start, some beef carpaccio with arugola and parmesan cheese. A nice light and refreshing dish.

Feeling it wasn't going to be enough, added a piatto rustico with proscuitto, mortadella, salami, parmesan and olives. Now this was much larger than expected!! More and more, I've been starting to enjoy cheese, wine and ham. =)

There was originally something on the menu that I was interested in... the spaghetti con polpettine (spaghetti with home made meatballs). But was tempted by the waiter's suggestion of the daily special (which I can't remember). It was some spaghetti with a light cream sauce.

My friend ordered the other special of the day, fettucine with mushroom and a light tomato sauce. It's always the case with food envy - wanting the other dish that was ordered! Not that any of it was bad, but it was good flavoured pasta that went well with some great selection of wines! =)

34 White Street
(Corner of Church Street)

TGIF

It wasn't a Friday, but it did feel close enough to be like one...

TGI Fridays

Still going around town, eating more and more burgers... wanted just a snack to temporarily fill myself up, but upon entering - was just provided with too many choices!

Mango Peach Slush

To start, a nice refreshing mango peach slush. Comes with unlimited refills too!! But was wayyyyy too sweet for my liking... And I didn't even finish it

Bacon Cheeseburger

Didn't opt for the biggest burger on their menu, but a relatively standard bacon cheeseburger. It still amazes me how most burgers aren't "closed" together, but I guess that's the fun of it... Of course, had another choice of how to do the patty. Wasn't the best burger I've had to date, although the bacon was nice and crunchy. Probably felt that the bun was a too oily?

1552 Broadway
(Corner 46th Street)

Burger Joint

Have had quite a few burgers here in ny, and have yet to really find a "bad" one. Had a few great ones - the flavour, the bun, the way the meat patties are done, and all the optional toppings!! Was recommended this little place (yes it actually is very little), and it was more of an afternoon snack...

Burger Joint

Located behind the lobby desk in an aisle within the Meridien, definitely wouldn't have known about this without some info! Not even a sign, nothing... just a little neon light depicting a burger. Even at this hour was a long line... that was probably the give away to where it is. Why else would there be a queue inside a hotel?

Burger Joint

Once inside (after like a 30min+ wait on a sunday afternoon), you could see this snazzy little joint. Not much room for seats, not greatly decorated - but it had this feel of an underground room... Writing/signatures all over the walls... posters stuck up on the walls... minimal room to move... and the kitchen, surprising that it was pretty much just standing room only and that you could barely move inside there.

Burger Joint

Quite a few famous people have been here... David Blane (using his levitation to get to the top!), and the stupid Ashton Kutcher taking up half the wall...

Cheeseburger - the Works

There is no menu... just some handwriting on the wall to ask you to pick between hamburger or cheeseburger; your toppings; how you want it done... And that was it. I opted for the cheeseburger with everything (which was really only just onion, tomato, lettuce and mayo). I was surprised at its serving size - not typical of ny where everything is over-sized, this was actually... tiny.

Taste wise, given the expectation and the wait and hungry stomach - it was good. Whether it was worth the price, maybe not. Wouldn't say it was the best burger, but I really did like the meat patty - done exactly the way you want. Using thick-ish paper to wrap the burger to give to you - definitely feels weird. Wonder if that affects the taste too?

Le Parker Meridien
119 West 56th Street
(Between 6th and 7th Avenue)

Popeyes

Deep fried chicken... can't really go wrong here I'm sure! Popeyes, named after the character Popeye Doyle in the French Connection. In the states, a national survey rates Popeyes better than KFC!

With my first experience originally in Dallas (must say - love the specials there! $1 for 2 pieces on every tuesday?? How can you manage that...), I wanted to try it again.

Popeyes

Comes in a bright orange box that you can't miss! Of course, I over-order... Knowing that I can still have more afterwards!!

Popeyes

Comes in the hot and spicy or the original (unlike KFC where it's so hard just to find a spicy one!!). The texture of the crispy skin layer, reminds me of chicken express. I still think KFC has a thicker and more "flavoured" spice as part of the marinade.

Cajun Fries

And this time, I get the cajun fries to go with it!! It really just makes me think of curly fries, but without the curls. Of course, I can see how "healthy" this meal is going to be (and the next few days...)

It also comes with biscuits... (kind of like the dinner rolls that come with KFC) but these aren't what I expect when I hear the name "biscuit". Reminds me of when a colleague back home told me about "biscuits" (as he was from the US). Essentially, it was like a "muffin" but they don't have muffins here... but how wrong could that explanation be!! More like a doughy bread, flattened out... with LOTS and LOTS of butter. But it crumbles once you bite into it... and how I hate them and I'm sure I won't be having any again! But at the end of the day - it's all about the chicken here!

Chelsea Square Restaurant

After a morning of strolling around the Chelsea area, found myself in the middle of Chelsea getting hungry. Probably wasn't a great idea to skip breakfast, but that just meant more to eat at lunch =P

Chelsea Square Restaurant

It was a nice little (well not so little relatively) place on a corner. A nice cosy olden style place with the dessert in a cabinet at the front. Tempting as it is, dessert probably not a great idea for a brunch.

Hungry Man's Breakfast

Feeling hungry as I was... opted to try the hungry man's breakfast. Something that I'd never really thought about going together, but what the heck... Two eggs my style (poached), with sausage, ham, bacon over french toast with maple syrup. Yep... interesting combo

Hungry Man's Breakfast

Even more interesting when you break the yolk over the french toast and bacon, drenched in maple syrup. Interesting is probably the only word I can think of... but it wasn't revolting and... it was a large, more than filling meal. The poached eggs were... not in the best shape with a little too much water left over the top. French toast was a little too brown for my liking, but still soft and thick enough. Enough to soak up all the maple syrup (and egg yolk). For a brunch at only $10, great value I would say.

The combinations of food here continues to amaze me, and I'll continue to experiment on things I never thought possible.

368 West 23rd Street
(Corner 9th Avenue)

Kaffe 1668

Another weekend... another coffee search. Haven't had much luck lately, and was hoping this would change. Outside the store, was presented with this

New York's Best Coffee

New York's Best Coffee... a lot of expectations was presented here...

Kaffe 1668

Reasonably sized place, with wifi! The place was decked out with sheep and quite a few random sketches I must say...

Latte

Quite a few choices on the menu - most notably the different beans used. But as always, I go back to the latte. With the regular size, noticed that its not filled to the top... wasn't "hot", but reasonably warm. Coffee art was a little... not that pretty.

That aside, most importantly is the taste. It went down smooth... maybe too smooth? Tasted well, but totally lacked the coffee taste and coffee hit. Must say, these adventures aren't really getting any better...

I really liked the regular customer cards... kinda cute. But that won't make up for the standard coffee... If I do go back, will definitely give the selected beans a try as opposed to latte...

275 Greenwich Street
(Between Warren and Murray Street)

SouthWest NY

After a later night of being in the office block, thought it would be a good time to try out one of the south-western places actually in the complex. Been meaning to try it before, just never got around to it - and have always thought of trying something different...

SouthWest NY Bar

Was meant to be a south-western place, but definitely didn't have that type of feel. Was more of a modern twist. The bar definitely looked a little trendier than expected too!

Blood Orange Frozen Margarita

With each south-western place... there's always frozen margarita's. Was definitely surprised at its presentation - looked really funky and different. Taste wise - crazy amounts of tequila more than anything else - which can only mean one thing...

Gulf Shrimp Pasta

The sauteed gulf shrimp fettucine with black beans, roasted corn, bell peppers and onions with a jalapeno cream sauce. This just seemed... different and was recommended by the waitress. A modern twist with south-western food. It definitely wasn't spicy at all - even with the jalapeno sauce. Fettucine felt overdone, but the interesting combination of corn and black beans - with the pasta was surprisingly well.

Service was pretty nice, environment and ambiance was great too. Was actually quite a large place - but not your typical south-western food. Worth trying

225 Liberty Street
2 Financial World Center