New York is one of the country's best Mexican eating towns, but recent years have seen an onslaught of the type of Mexican restaurant we hate: overpriced, bland and Americanized. That's why we weren't too excited when we first heard there was a new Mexican joint coming to uber-hip Williamsburg.
La Superior has all the trappings of a less-than-superior NYC Mexican restaurant: It's set in the heart of a trendy neighborhood, it's open late-night for drunken partying and it rocks a faux-downtrodden exterior.
But La Superior comes with a pleasant catch: Genuine eats that make it all OK. The lengthy menu ranges from carne asada tacos for just $2.50 to Mexican classics like ezquites (corn kernels cooked with epazote leaves and served in fresh cheese, lime and mayo) and intriguing dishes that are new to us, such as torta ahogada (sourdough bread stuffed with "pork confit beans" and topped with extra-hot arbol sauce.)
Belly up to the bar this summer at the just-opened Whiskey Tavern in Chinatown. Located in a spot between Bayard and Walker that's literally been serving alcohol to the locals since the 1940s, Whiskey Tavern is run by brothers George and Justin Ruotolo and feels like a friendly, family joint.
Drinks include tons of bottled and draft beers (name it and they have it) and also an extensive list of, yep, whiskey. Snacks include some solid bar fly standbys like burgers, egg sandwiches, wings, jalepeno poppers and Hostesses.
The decor feels old yet new, with booths to sidle into, a sand-covered floor and plenty of brass fixtures. An outdoor back patio with four communal picnic tables looks promising for the rest of the summer. Mix that with brunch on the weekends and the occasional rumored DJ on a Saturday night and we're sold.
Former Tudor City destination Italian spot L'Impero has just been re-invented as Convivio, a "neighborhood place" (if you happen to live in a super upscale 'hood) that's focused on Southern Italian fare.
The dining room's brighter and altogether hipper than before with red banquettes and cool retro-style chairs that go nicely with the eye-catching silver charger at each place. It's a little flashy for the locals we'd imagine, but something different than the standard.
The menu (served a la carte or as a $59 prix-fixe dinner) offers up treats like raw fava beans with caccicavalo cheese, buffalo mozzarella with sliced figs and rosemary oil and two main types of pasta. (Don't miss the spaghetti with pancetta, pecorino, egg and black pepper.)
There's a nice lunch prix fixe for just $49, as well as an impressive wine list and full bar. It's a nice spot to while away a summer afternoon over a long lunch, hidden from the craziness of Midtown right next door.
Only the hip and stylish need apply to eat and be seen at this week's pick, Delicatessen. Opening on the corner of Prince and Lafayette, Delicatessen will have service from breakfast straight through to late-night and dish up interesting menu items such as cheeseburger spring rolls and wonton-wrapped halibut tacos with kimchee sour cream, alongside standard deli standbys like matzo ball soup and pastrami.
The staff uniforms were designed by Charlotte Ronson and the interior features two bars as well as retractable stainless-steel garage doors opening onto the street. There will also be a "Macbar" in the fall that will offer 12 different varieties of mac and cheese.
Something tells us no one is going to actually be caught dead here for a real breakfast, but that late-night scene should be a rousing success.
Once upon a time--like three years ago--New York's trendy restaurant scene stopped at the East River. Today, it extends well into Brooklyn, with some of the city's most upscale eateries in Cobble Hill, Park Slope and Fort Greene.
The foodie conquest of Brooklyn continues to spread even further into the borough, with the latest high-end restaurant row popping up this year in Prospect Heights. The newest entry is James Restaurant, a homey dining room set in a 100-year-old brownstone on St. Marks and Carlton Aves.
The menu is "old-world European influenced," with the expected Brooklyn organic/locavore touches in dishes like crispy sweetbreads with rhubarb honey glaze and dandelion greens, grass-fed beef burger with Cotswold cheese and organic Pennsylvania greens with sherry and black pepper dressing.
This week's about comfort food: things like tomato braised pork meatballs with grilled bread, burgers with English cheddar, ham and Gruyere bread pudding. Take a break from the light salads and cold soups of summer and head to The General Greene, a new "farmhouse-meets-diner" in the buzzing Fort Green neighborhood of Brooklyn.
The General Greene's a step up from your corner spot, with homemade food, local brews and an owner who was the former pastry chef at Daniel. Prices are very reasonable; the burger is $11. And don't forget dessert: classics like warm chocolate chip cookies, lemon vanilla cheesecake and chocolate pudding are all here.
Hurry up and get there before it becomes everyone's regular Saturday spot.
Cabrito literally translates to "roasted kid," but before you start getting all vegetarian on us, you have to try it at Cabrito, a new spot on Carmine Street. You'll recognize it down the block by both the hot pink goat hanging outside and the noisy din spilling onto the street.
It's delicious Mexican food, pure and simple. The menu features the classic roasted kid seasoned with sour orange, garlic and chili or you can go with something more familiar like tacos of braised beef tongue or beer-battered fish. The guac's spicy and expertly made, and the chips come warm from the fryer and not out of an industrial-size bag.
Cabrito's only downfall so far is its increasing popularity. You'd be wise to avoid it Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. Stroll in on a Sunday or an early-in-the-week night and you're set for the perfect old school Mexican meal.
So, not quite sold on that $186 burger? Five Napkin Burger opens today in New York, and we can't wait to hit it up. The brainchild of Nice Matin chef Andy D'Amico, the menu's signature offering is a 10-ounce beef patty topped with Comté cheese and caramelized onions, served on a rosemary aioli-slathered roll.
More adventurous grill hounds can try the Rarebit Bacon Burger (with white cheddar cheese and grilled bacon), the Ahi Tuna Burger (it has ginger, scallions, wasabi mayo and tempura fried onions) or the fancy Mediterranean-inspired Lamb Kofta Burger (topped with tomato, onion salad and green tahini sauce). There are a couple other non-burger menu options, but remember: The place isn't called Five Napkin Artichoke Dip.
The decor's as manly as you'd imagine, with meat hooks, dim lighting and easy-to-clean white tiling. You'll also find loads of specialty cocktails, wines and beer to keep you happy. Our summer might just be complete.
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by BS
