The main hub of New York City’s most established sports bar franchise was fully adorned in green this weekend as pigskin fans from around the Tri-state area flocked into Manhattan to celebrate the 3rd Annual fan festival known as Jets House. Friday and Saturday would offer fanatical followers of Gang Green a multitude of different sessions to mingle with different players during interactive meet and greet sessions, grab autographs and take home some great prizes, all while reliving some of the team’s most iconic moments inside of Chelsea bar The Ainsworth. With the Broncos and Panthers slated for battle in just under a week’s time, it was nice to revel in the season’s success of one of our local teams, who would barely miss out on the postseason despite a vastly improved 2015.

The Saturday afternoon session was packed from the get go, where fans young and old quickly gathered in line to meet kicker Nick Folk and fullback Tommy Bohanon, each of whom were stationed at the Jets House autograph booth.  Guests were received warmly and the players made sure to give ample time to the ‘next man up’ approaching their table.  Mere steps away, two beautiful cheerleaders from the New York Jets Flight Crew would be equally as engaging, with green and white pom poms in hand, happily smiling for photos with many excitable eventgoers.   Alternatively, attendees would have the option of hoisting on a Jets helmet and posing with a football in a nearby photo booth or standing beside the actual championship trophy from Super Bowl III, the one so famously earned by the guarantee of the legendary Joe Namath.

Game day fare was fittingly offered buffet style where the likes of mini hot dogs and chocolate chip cookies surely satiated a crowd hungry to over-stuff their rabid football-led appetites.  Those of us of age meanwhile were treated to a smattering of deliciously prepared signature cocktails, served up by the restaurant’s talented staff of bartenders. Be it a delicious upside down Corona bottle jutting out from an ice cold margarita or a tasty “Jets Game Day” drink that meshed Midori Melon Liqueur and Jim Beam Apple , The Ainsworth’s reputation for serving delicious drinks was never in question.  Grabbing green wax dipped rocks glasses as keepsakes courtesy of Makers Mark was one particular highlight- the other was the utilization of a virtual reality headset to experience a game day setting like never before. Used by the players to re-create an authentic in game experience, fans stood in awe as they enjoyed panoramic views of a stadium atmosphere all around them, coming out of the home team’s tunnel with Jets players and throwing to an open receiver at practice as if they were a member of the actual team.  It was the kind of demonstration that would have most gaming and sports fans salivating, and it’s one that the forward thinking Jets are currently using to prepare their players for an upcoming game even when away from the field.

Around the room, fans would spend time marveling at the display of player jerseys and team helmets and chatting with former superstars like Wesley Walker, who could be seen signing footballs for fans far too young to realize his stature.  Meanwhile, a lineup of jersey-clad attendees would form in front of a Jets prize wheel where an array of prizes could be won by guests with just a simple spin.  In fact, more than a few lucky winners could be seen walking around the room with “You Can’t Catch Sunshine,” the memoir of New York Jets receiving legend Don Maynard as a result of their turn on the wheel.  In all, the afternoon allowed us as fans to get a little bit closer to some of our favorite players throughout the weekend where the current roster and Jets former players would converge to give back to the avid fans that have unconditionally supported them year after year.  And for fans like us, just having the opportunity to share a room with them is as exhilarating as watching the team win.

- Dave Gendelson

When a name brand restaurant mogul opens up his first ever bar, you listen. Without much of note in the nearby vicinity- save for some auto retailers selling cars that we won’t be able to afford in this lifetime- Danny Meyer’s Porchlight opened to considerable buzz back in late February. The concept, which marries approachable cocktail bar with a definitively southern yet modernized city feel is hardly a novel one- though, by location alone, the restaurant is quite distinctive. But as most restaurateurs are focused on creating the next scenester-driven and celebrity spotting haunts, Porchlight instead breathes some new life into the craft bar scene with reasonably priced upscale bar food and inventively concocted drinks inside of a sprawling space- all this, despite the dearth of any surrounding scenery along Eleventh Avenue.

You’d be hard pressed to find a newly opened bar in New York City that doesn’t feel both a bit sleek and a bit rustic. Porchlight is more of the same in that regard. Uniquely thin stools prop up around the bar space where dim lighting, dark steel piping and plenty of shiny wooden tables are carefully situated everywhere. The addition of rocking chairs along the exposed brick walls is a charming dose of countryside inside of a setting with far more available space than you might otherwise expect. Although Meyer’s reputation was built on franchises like Shake Shack and icons like Blue Smoke and Gramercy Tavern, at Porchlight, it’s the cocktails that are the place’s most attractive feature.

At $14 a pop, drinks at Porchlight are hardly cheap- but with a sip of the “Whiskey & Cola,” deliciously and sweetly made with homemade cola and Mellow Corn Whiskey, there’s no doubting their excellence. The soda is served in an old-school bottle, replete with a white and red striped straw that harkens back to the days of a traditional malt shop- only inside, there’s a boozy drink in lieu of a milkshake, served nice and strong. Other offerings like the “Behind the Mule” ($14, think a Moscow Mule with Rock & Rye and vinegar) and the “Gun Metal Blue” ($14, with a punch of cinnamon, smoky Mezcal and Blue Curacao for the coloring) have quickly become house favorites for Porchlight’s repeat clientele.

Although the food being served can be pretty tasty for comfort fare, its hardly the style of transcendent cuisine that has preceded Meyer at his other restaurants. The “Smoky Beef Jerky” ($7) made in house, is a must-try- especially for beer pairing as is the deliciously fresh “Avocado & Crab Toast” ($13). Our party fell all over ourselves for slices of the “Jalapeno Cheddar Cornbread” ($6), served piping hot as it is baked to order by table. The dishes though small, can certainly add up when you’re indulging in cocktails this delicious- so it’s probably best to limit yourselves to a couple before heading out to a more proper dinner. As for a destination to head after Porchlight, we’re sure that Danny Meyer has some suggestions for you.

The Rundown

Bar Type – A spacious and modern cocktail-lovers paradise by New York City’s most well-established restaurateur.

When to Visit – If you’re looking to imbibe and eat, there’s no better time than summer and Porchlight’s ‘Summer Sundays,’ where items like the “Spicy Chicken Po’ Boy” ($14) and a rib heavy “Backyard Barbecue” ($21) get added to the menu from noon until sundown. Otherwise, the best time to head to Porchlight? Whenever the mood for a cocktail strikes.

Value – Happy hour runs every weeknight until 7pm where discounted wines and beers might give you pause before ordering that first cocktail at 7:01pm. That said, $14 is right around the norm for a cocktail in Manhattan- but any more than two and you’re bound to notice a sizable jump in your bar bill.

The Lowdown – With an unparalleled track record, Danny Meyer’s reputation and his talented staff have drawn excitable drinkers to this west side cocktail bar. And we’ve heard nary a peep of disappointment from those who have visited. Among 2015′s most highly anticipated new openings, Porchlight is equal parts cocktail bar for fans of mixology and comfortable hangout for casual drinkers. In an area of town dominated by car dealerships, city locals and subway riders now have a reason to visit Eleventh Avenue in Chelsea.

Rundown:

Drinks
Whiskey & Cola ($14)

Somethin’
Smoky Beef Jerky ($7)
Warm Bourbon Bar Nuts ($5)
Jar of Pickles ($6)

Somethin’ More
Avocado & Crab Toast ($13)
Boiled Peanut Hummus & Vegetables ($15)
Jalapeno Cheddar Cornbread ($6)
Daddy Jack’s Fried Frog Legs ($12)
Tom’s Balls ($9)
Double Trouble Bison Burger ($16)

A whopping 52 different neighborhood restaurants banded together on Wednesday evening for one of the most grandiose food tasting and charitable events of the year. The 15th Annual “Taste of the Lower East Side” welcomed hundreds of hungry eaters and area residents to the posh Metropolitan Pavilion in Chelsea for an evening of exquisite eats presented by many of the area’s most popular chefs and their hard working staffs.

As synonymous as the annual event is with the Lower East Side‘s sense of community, the affair’s annual host and beneficiary Grand St. Settlement is equally as inspirational. The nonprofit organization, in celebration of its 100th year, has worked to create a multitude of opportunities for low-income families. Through its assortment of programs focused on the likes of mentorship and support for both youths and adults, as well as learning and career development and advancement, the group leans on its volunteers and its neighbors for necessary assistance in furthering its initiatives. But on Wednesday evening, Grand St. Settlement relied on its many restaurant partners and a jam packed room of attendees for some additional philanthropy in celebrating their biggest event of the calendar year.

Once inside, it was hard not to be impressed by the layout of the tasteful affair with a seemingly endless bevy of restaurant tables meticulously mapped around the sprawling space. In the background, behind the conversation of buzzing patrons vying for the next delicious dish being doled out, a house DJ nicely worked a mix throughout the evening, often capturing the essence of the party atmosphere being enjoyed by the many revelers inside. When guests were not racing around the room and getting their fill on the eclectic fare, they would often take time to peruse the unparalleled silent auction experiences that would benefit the evening’s cause. Though we had our eyes on the likes of a “Helicopter Ride to the Hamptons” and an authentic “Airplane Bar Cart” early on, we were quickly over-matched by another generous bidder, despite our best efforts.

With our sights set on the array of options that lay in front of us, it was hard not to be overwhelmed by the sheer number of restaurants that we had our hearts set upon. Fortunately, comfort food proved to be the most popular culinary concept of the day with many restaurants putting their own twist on traditional dishes. Early on, we went wild for crispy fried dishes like Schiller’s Liquor Bar’s piping hot “Reuben Croquettes” and for temperature contrast, Seoul Chicken’s “Cold Fried Chicken Man-Wich,” deliciously basted with a creamy miso aioli and pickled chilis for a bit of heat. Clinton St. Baking Co. meanwhile, unleashed their exceptional “Buttermilk Fried Chicken-n-Waffle” on our unsuspecting palates. Enriched by a drizzle of honey and Tobasco sauce, the marriage of sweet and savory worked together brilliantly with its rich consistency and salty flavor profile.

Speaking of salty, The Stanton Social‘s decadent “Cobb Salad Bites” were a revelation. The inside of a small crispy bacon shell was overstuffed with shaved Brussels sprouts, blue cheese chunks and avocado before being topped off with a sliced quail egg. The bite-sized serving delivered a sea of different flavors all of which worked together in familiar and fantastic fashion. Other inventive takes on traditional dishes included Freeman’s “Beet Burger,” GG’s “Cosa Nostra” and “Ron Darling” served atop a matzoh and Pearl & Ash‘s sensationally fatty “Lamb Belly” served with mint sprigs and ramps.

While there were certainly some more tasteful plays on dishes like Porsena’s “White Almond Gazpacho” and DBGB Kitchen and Bar’s “Lemongrass Panna Cotta,” both of which were artistically plated and equally delectable, it was the more basic dishes that had us returning for seconds. Yerba Buena’s “Short Rib Arepas” were seemingly elementary, but perfectly delicious with a creamy slaw and fiery addition of hot sauce atop a braised meat and cornmeal style pie. Meanwhile, Kuma Inn Chef King Phojanakong brought out a whole hog and placed it front and center on his table for savory servings of the restaurant’s “Pig & Pickles,” fully equipped with skin cracklins and all wrapped around a savory hunk of pork. We’d also be remiss not to mention standouts like The Meatball Shop‘s equally simple “Beef Meatballs” and Blue Ribbon Sushi Izakaya’s “Assorted Handrolls,” which are always consistently tasty wherever their restaurant names appear.

Though the “Taste of the Lower East Side” is in its fifteenth year, our first foray into the event really put into perspective the high caliber of restaurants serving food in the neighborhood. In celebrating the area’s cultural diversity through its many distinctive restaurants, the evening is more than a metaphor for the sense of togetherness that the community exudes. And with nearly nine hundred guests in attendance helping to raise nearly a half million dollars during the course of the evening, the importance of the work being done by the folks at Grand St. Settlement was not lost on any of us – regardless of how completely satiated we were by the time the evening had concluded.

For more information on the work being done by Grand St. Settlement and how you can personally help, have a look at grandsettlement.org.

- Dave Gendelson

Photos from the 2015 Taste of the Lower East Side

Maharlika Filipino Moderno: “Chicken Laing”

Mezetto: “Beet Tartar”

Hecho en Dumbo: “Tostadas De Samaron”

Galli: “Baby Rice Balls”

Edi & The Wolf: “Chicken Schnitzel”

GG’s: “Cosa Nostra” & “Ron Darling”

 

Flinders Lane: “Pork Sausage Roll”

Pies ‘N’ Thighs: “Homemade Buttermilk Biscuit” & “Bourbon Pecan Pie Bites”

 

Root & Bone: “Drunken Deviled Eggs”

The Wren: “Smoked Chicken Liver Mousse”

Moscow 57: “M57 Pickle Mate”

The Meatball Shop: “Beef Meatballs”

Thelma on Clinton: “House Smoked Trout Salad” & “Cream of Cauliflower Soup”

 

Schiller’s Liquor Bar: “Reuben Croquettes”

Seoul Chicken: “Cold Fried Chicken Man-Wich”

DBGB Kitchen and Bar: “Lemongrass Panna Cotta”

Pearl & Ash: “Lamb Belly with Mint and Ramps”

Paulaner: “Paulaner Sausage”

Yerba Buena: “Short Rib Arepas”

 

Sugar Sweet Sunshine Bakery: “Chocolate Chip Cookie Shots” & “Mini Vanilla, Chocolate, Red Velvet Cupcakes”

 

The Comfort: “The Jewbano Sandwich”

Macondo: “Atun Crudo” & “Taquito de Costillas”

 

Black Tree: “Roasted Candy Beets”

Charrua: “Chorizo” & “Corn, Beef & Tuna Empanadas”

 

Il Laboratorio del Gelato: “Gelato & Sorbet”

 

Fung Tu: “Vegetarian Curry Pot Pie”

Porsena: “White Almond Gazpacho”

Balvanera: “Housemade Pate de Campo”

Tiny’s Giant Sandwich Shop: “Grilled Cheese”

Kuma Inn: “Pig & Pickles”

 

Sauce Restaurant: “Filetto” & “Dad’s Marinara”

Roni-Sue’s Chocolates: “BeerCrunch Toffee”

Veselka: “Potato Pierogi,” “Sauerkraut & Mushroom Pierogi” & “Cold Borscht”

 

Grand St. Settlement’s Culinary Arts Program: “Lower East Side Dumplings”

Schapiro’s: “Chopped Liver Crostini”

Antibes Bistro: “Cauliflower Mousse”

Blue Ribbon Sushi Izakaya: “Assorted Handrolls”

Louie and Chan: “Short Rib Pastrami”

Northern Spy Food Co.: “Sour Cream Panna Cotta”

The Stanton Social: “Cobb Salad Bites”

Loreley Restaurant & Biergarten: “Sausage Platter”

Cata: “Castle Valley Corn Chips” & “Roasted Carrots”

Clinton St. Baking Co.: “Buttermilk Fried Chicken-n-Waffle”

Boulton and Watt: “Assorted House-Made Pickles”

Freeman’s: “Beet Burger”

Russ and Daughters: “Flourless Chocolate Cake”

Gemma: “Yellow Tomato Gazpacho” & “Seared Big Eyed Tuna”

L’Apicio: “Confit Pancetta”

Prohibition Bakery: “Pretzels & Beer” & “Old Fashioned”

 

Pala: “Artisanal Pizza”

   

]]> http://www.localbozo.com/2015/04/food-for-a-cause-the-15-annual-taste-of-the-les/feed/ 1 http://www.localbozo.com/2015/01/coopers-craft-kitchen-chelsea-drink-here-now/ http://www.localbozo.com/2015/01/coopers-craft-kitchen-chelsea-drink-here-now/#comments Fri, 23 Jan 2015 17:49:38 +0000 LocalBozo http://www.localbozo.com/?p=9373 For a glimpse at our reviews of every bar in Hoboken, give a click over to our Spirits in the Sixth Borough category. Otherwise, keep it here for a look at distinctive bars in each borough where you can follow our sudsy travels with LocalBozo.com’s “Drink Here Now.”

Cooper’s Craft & Kitchen
169 8th Avenue between 18th and 19th Street, Chelsea
646-661-7711
Getting There: 1 to 18th Street
http://coopersnyc.com/coopers-chelsea/

East Village dwellers know what you’re about to find out: Cooper’s Craft & Kitchen is just about the best craft beer bar that you’ll find anywhere. Now westside living folk can all rejoice in unison with the restaurant’s second location in Chelsea, which popped open shortly after Christmas. With a rustic atmosphere and an unparalleled atmosphere for the decidedly cool beer swiller, the new location is a little bit different than its older brother- but the appeal here is equally evident.

An array of old barn wood panels line much of the space inside, where old oak barrels and chalkboards are aplenty amid a dimly lit vibe. Up a few stairs and the back of the space is more of the same- with enough brick exposed that the Cooper’s team looks like they may have unearthed the perfrect locale to sit and slug down microbrews comfortably. The beer list changes fairly often and while you’ll find some of the usual suspects (in a good way) like Ommegang, Otter Creek and Bear Republic, the restaurant and bar has also teamed with local beer makers Greenpoint Harbor, Peekskill and Barrier to create beer especially for the Chelsea location.

  

The prices here are what you’d expect from a higher end gastropub, though the food far exceeds the norm. “Beer Infused Cheese Dip with Pretzels,” “Wagyu Beef Slders,” and crispy deep-fried “Cooper’s Wings” set the stage for a delicious array of comfort-style eats, perfect for pairing with the darkest of stouts or the wheatiest of witbiers. We sampled some “Deep Fried Olives,” “Mushroom Flatbread,” and some excellent “Tater Tots,” and the fare is tasty enough here to attract non beer-drinkers.  The cocktail program meanwhile, is created by beverage director David Clarke and showcases a knack for infusing some ambition into a City already rife with masterful mixologists. Grab the “Jalapeno Margarita” and then grab two more. You can thank me whenever.

The Rundown

Bar Type - A very new, very fitting craft beer bar meets gastropub

When to Visit – As of our first visit there weren’t any televisions in sight. That doesn’t mean they aren’t coming, but the place is very new so if you’re heading in for game night, I’d advise that you call first. Or at least check their website. Otherwise day or night, weekend or weeknight- it’s all appropriate.

Value - You can score cans at Cooper’s for $5-$6, bottles for $7-$8 and freshly poured drafts for $7 and up. It’s not $1 pitcher night at your local spot in your old hometown, but this is New York and for the diversity in beer selection, it’s right on par with everywhere else nearby.

The Lowdown – Craft beer bars have been popping up in epic fashion, but very few of them manage to get all of the signature characteristics down pat. There’s a reason that the Cooper’s team waited so long to open a second location and now that they’ve perfected their business model, both the east and west side can now reap the benefits. Stop by the Chelsea location for a bite to eat and your first few rounds of beers. Fair warning: you may not want to leave.

Check out our rundown of 2013′s ‘Plate by Plate’ here.

Topping 2013′s grandiose “Plate by Plate” event would be a challenge for most nonprofit organizations, with an unparalleled array of dishes and drinks from some of New York City’s most notable restaurants and bars. But the team at Project by Project was certainly up to the challenge on Friday evening in a focused and intimate affair at Chelsea’s Metropolitan Pavilion. Year after year, the organization selects one local charity partner for which to raise funds during the course of the evening. This year’s honors would fall upon the Lower East Side’s Henry Street Settlement, an important New York institution that has stood tall for more than 120 years, addressing the challenges of- and focused on raising awareness for- the mental health issues of our residents. Project by Project’s reach into the City’s diverse population of Asian Americans makes “Plate by Plate” a huge success perennially- and this year was certainly no different.

For three and a half hours, hundreds of hungry eaters would be welcome to wine and dine around the massive space- equipped with a photo booth and a DJ working the mix for good measure. Nearly a dozen chefs would be on hand with their staffs representing some of Manhattan’s most recognizable restaurants and backed by some of the country’s best spirits purveyors. Each guest, dressed in cocktail attire, would be given two Life-Savers upon entering the space and each was to be used to cast a vote for the night’s finest dish and drink, respectively.  Loading up on refreshing cocktails from the teams at Bombay Sapphire and Tito’s Handmade Vodka, we quickly sought out some of the incredible dishes being served. Chef Jonathan Wu of Fung Tu was front and center at his table with a creamy and delicious “Chilled Corn Soup” that served as an excellent precursor to some of the evening’s heartier dishes.  Equally as satisfying were the piping hot “Tacos de Costilla” courtesy of Yerba Buena Perry.  The East Village restaurant sandwiched shreds of braised short rib, red onion and a tangy green drizzle inside of a freshly made tortilla.

To no surprise, Blue Ribbon Sushi Izakaya was garnering considerable buzz throughout the evening with their “Assorted Handrolls,” made to order wrapped sushi containing the likes of yellowtail, salmon and tuna.  With a dollop of soy sauce, each freshly enveloped cone was filled with sticky rice and an assortment of vegetables- and they were down right delectable.  Meanwhile, the longest line of the night would emanate from Vai Restaurant, whose “Hamachi and Yellowfin Duo” atop an oily bed of mashed avocado became the event’s most sought after dish.  If pressed with choosing our favorite dish however, none shone brighter than The Sea Grill’s “Stir-Fried Rock Shrimp.”  Served inside of a hollowed out egg shell, each serving contained succulent hunks of warm shrimp atop a bed of rich and creamy ‘foie gras royale.’  The sample was so savory in fact that the staff actually ran out of their 500 servings and managed to impress us yet again by concocting a “Rock Shrimp Fritatta” on the fly.

Beer lovers were able to toast glasses with a collection of tasty Asian branded beers from Sapporo to Tiger to Singha, each of whom were well represented at different tables spread throughout the space.  Between sipping on different beers and pours of bottled Old-Fashioneds called ‘Slow & Low’ which were outstanding, we joined dozens of other guests in perusing the selection of silent auction items compiled specifically for this night.  From restaurant gift cards to sports memorabilia, attendees couldn’t grab their pens quickly enough to list their names on each bidding sheet- the proceeds from which would be added to the night’s tally for Henry Street Settlement.  As the evening drew to a close, guest votes had been tallied, declaring the aforementioned Vai and Barrow’s Intense Ginger Liqueur as the people’s choice winners.  Though only two purveyors would be crowned as the night’s champions, the real winners were the hundreds of philanthropic guests in attendance who donated a small amount of money to a great cause and organization and were rewarded in undeniable satisfaction.

- Jane Van Arsdale

Sachi: “Duck Massamun Curry” and “Yellowtail Yum”

Fung Tu: “Chilled Corn Soup”

Mokbar: “Cool Ramen Salad with Spicy Dressing” and “Bacon Wrapped Ricecakes with Gochujang Glaze”

 

Blue Ribbon Sushi Izakaya: “Assorted Handrolls”

Vai Restaurant: “Hamachi and Yellowfin Duo“

The Sea Grill: “Stir-Fried Rock Shrimp with XO Sauce and Foie Gras ‘Royale’“

All’Onda: “Salt Cod Mantecato“

The Fourth: “Pickled Beet and Freekeh Salad“

Thalassa: “Lavraki with Caviar Mousse & Zucchini Fritter with Tzatziki Sauce”

 

Yerba Buena Perry: “Tacos de Costilla“

Gordo’s Cantina: “Street Corn“

Raines Law Room
48 West 17th Street near Fifth Avenue, Chelsea
No Phone Number Listed
Getting There: 4,5,6,L,N,Q,R to 14th Street-Union Square; 1,2,3,F,M to 14th Street
http://raineslawroom.com/

You won’t find any pictures in this review. That’s because the place that we ducked into is a dimly lit speakeasy which essentially non-verbally mandates that you don’t take photos at the risk of disturbing the atmosphere that’s been forged inside. Raines Law Room has for years been among Manhattan’s finest cocktail bars. But its sophisticated drink program seems to take a perpetual backseat to the unique and often exclusive ambiance that goes along with being granted access inside.

Pretentious as it may sound, your chances for getting inside of Raines Law Room during prime hours are not great. Their no reservations policy and limited seating purposefully leave them with walk-in clientele, in the most charming way possible. Step one- find the building’s address and awning. Step two- walk down the stairs. Step three- ring a doorbell and await to be acknowledged. Step four- recite the number of your party. Step five- wait for a member of the staff to return with either good news or bad. At times, our group of six has walked right in. During others, our more intimate party of two were added to a two plus hour list and subsequently were never alerted that a table had been freed up. Your best bet is to arrive during an off-peak hour and hope for the best- because Raines Law Room is an exceptional experience.

Inside, you’ll find a dark room with plush seating in the lounge and more private booths with drawn curtains in the parlor area fit for larger parties. There’s also an outdoor patio, but you’ll want to stay inside and even in the kitchen space where the resident mixologists are serving eclectic drinks around a center island counter bar. Waitresses flock around the diminutive space in throwback uniforms, responding only if the drawstring light is pulled behind your seats which indicate that you’re in need of service. If it sounds overly elaborate, that’s because it is. Forget about slugging down bottles of Bud Light here and splurge for some of Raines’ excellent cocktails- the menu for which is about as extensive as you’ll find anywhere in Manhattan. Figure out your specialty – ‘Tall & Fizzy,’ ‘Short & Shaken,’ even ‘Fancy’ makes the cut here- or dabble in something brand new for yourself. The slightly sweet “Bramble” ($13) makes for an ideal warm weather drink with gin, lemon juice and blackberries over crushed ice, while the liquor fueled “American Trilogy” ($14) will put some hair on your chest what with its mix of brandy whiskey and orange bitters. But the glass with a huge block of ice will make you feel as cool as Don Draper on his best night. And fortunately, while the place could gauge guests for drinks in the $16-$18 range, they don’t more often than not. And we appreciate it.

The Rundown

Bar Type - An old prohibition style cocktail bar. An old fashioned place to have an old fashioned. See what I did there?

When to Visit – Whenever you can get in. Prime time evening hours during the week or weekend are likely to be fairly busy so your best bet is a bit on the early side, but make sure to leave yourself enough time to hang out and enjoy the scenery.

Value - You can sip on some craft beers for $7 or $8, or you can enjoy some not unreasonable cocktails in the $13 range. But Happy Hour? Come on now.

The Lowdown – Raines Law Room isn’t some neighborhood spot to frequent every week. Instead, it’s a place that’s absolutely worth visiting once and awhile because it delivers a special experience. Whether you’re bringing folks from out of town or you’re enjoying a more intimate evening of fine cocktails, the ambiance to the drinks to the service- it’s all down right impeccable. And with each visit, though this is hardly the case, it feels like you’re letting your pals in on perhaps the City’s best kept secret.

Despite having signed a lease more than a year ago, New York City’s first outpost of Canadian import Big Smoke Burger hosted its grand opening on Tuesday evening, welcoming in guests all day long for the very first time. The modernized Chelsea space is still in the midst of being completed but boasts 74 seats inside of the restaurant and another 36 in their soon to be completed patio space out back. But that didn’t prevent a multitude of yellow and black balloons from being propped up on tables throughout the room in celebration of the burger chain’s arrival- of which there are reportedly more to come in Manhattan.

The layout of Big Smoke isn’t all that dissimilar than we’re used to seeing at similar New York burger haunts. Sure there are some communal picnic tables for seating, some seats at the back bar countertop and the aforementioned space out back- but the clean and conventionally narrow layout seems to take a page from other fast casual style settings. Though we arrive on opening night, the staff is over-the-top friendly, catering to our every need and ask as we place our order and then find a table to await our meal delivery.

Big Smoke Burger offers a completely customizable menu but also showcases more than a dozen of their own concoctions utilizing a variety of different cheeses, toppings and sauces alongside the requisite burger-staple condiments. The object of our desire however is the arrival of the restaurant’s Canadian-bred and traditionally prepared “Poutine” (sm. $4.95, lg. $6.50), a mouthwateringly drenched batch of freshly cooked French fries, doused with dark savory gravy and littered with creamy Ontario cheese curds. Not only are these a fantastic alternative to the more traditional fries or onion rings also offered here, but they also compliment the selection of burgers nicely. Think about the best disco fries you’ve ever had and replace the cheese with even creamier, gooier and more delicious dairy hunks.

At the end of the day Big Smoke will live and die by their customized burgers. Each patty is a generously sized six ounces of straight Ontario beef. The size was the first point of interest as the bulbous bun shrouded much of the meat in seasoned secrecy. (We’re told that smaller, more authentic style Big Smoke buns are set for delivery in the days to follow which fall more in line with the restaurant’s expectations) That said, the burger meat was nicely cooked and pleasantly juicy throughout without being overly messy. The same couldn’t be said for some of the condiments though. The lacquered “Lamb Burger” ($9.50) was doused in a creamy green cilantro-feta spread which made its way onto more than two of our fingers- but was particularly delicious nonetheless. The especially salty ground lamb meat was a nice taste and textural alternative to the piping hot “Cheese Burger” ($7.95), unsurprisingly our favorite of the trio that we sampled. Traditionally prepared and topped with smoked Canadian cheddar cheese, the flame grilled burger was perfectly seared, served with crispy lettuce and tomato and had sufficient ketchup to bring all of the flavors together cohesively. Big Smoke might claim to be from Canada, but their classic “Cheese Burger” is an absolute slice of Americana.

After literally slurping the remaining gravy from our small order of “Poutine” and an additional side order of hand cut “French Fries” ($4.25), we finished off with the “Crazy Burger” ($7.95). Topping off the all-beef patty with jalapeno jack cheese, coleslaw, chipotle mayo and barbecue sauce, the addition of hot peppers which sat beneath the burger proved to be the key ingredient. The creamy slaw, fiery pepper and the warm burger meat each added noticeable components to the sandwich, which fell just a notch below the other two.

So Big Smoke Burger has finally arrived in New York, with other spots across Canada, Saudi Arabia, Denver and coming soon to Chicago. How does the burger stack up? Let’s weigh the options:

Price: Big Smoke’s signature and classic burgers each fall below $10, but not by much, which prices them just above Shake Shack and a notch below the likes of Bareburger and Five Napkin Burger. Though the burgers are priced a bit higher than you’d expect from a fast casual dine-in or takeout spot, you’re also getting a six ounce burger here rather than four ounces so the price isn’t unjustified. $6.50 for a “Poutine” and $4.25 for a side of “French Fries” does sound a bit excessive in practice, but Big Smoke also offers combos at slight discounts as well.

Size: Again, the six ounce patties and the large buns that we experienced on opening night were sufficient enough that you can get by with a single burger and be completely satiated. You’ll need two hands to bite this thing and also a spoon to scoop up whatever drops onto your plate as you do so.

Taste: Fortunately, the most imperative piece of the burger puzzle is where Big Smoke probably succeeds most. Though each burger was different, it was hard to find an issue with any of their tastes.  Nicely seasoned and deliciously juicy, their traditional “Cheese Burger” was their best offering, proving that you don’t need to disguise their meat with an overload of toppings to supremely enjoy a Big Smoke Burger. Add in their lip smacking “Poutine” which was neither overly heavy or rich, and you’ve really got a burger spot to write home about.

The Final Word: Leave it to the other critics to dictate which burger spot is better than another. All you need to worry about is stopping in and tasting New York City’s latest burger addition courtesy of our neighbors north of the border.

Rundown of the Meal

Classics
Cheese Burger ($7.95)*

Signature
Lamb Burger ($9.50)*
Crazy Burger ($7.95)

Sides
French Fries ($4.25)
Poutine (sm. $4.95, lg. $6.50)*

*Meal Highlight

After a whirlwind event on Saturday evening, our heads are still spinning from the exceptional array of eats and drinks that was the first annual “Lobster de Mayo.” The posh Capitale was transformed into an event space of exquisite proportion with more than twenty of New York City’s finest restaurants and chefs doling our eclectic dishes featuring the luxurious red shellfish during as exciting a four hour event as you’ll find anywhere. Hosted by celebrity chef Katie Lee (we also spotted supermodel Chrissy Teigen in the fray), the Mexican inspired fresh fare and tasty tequila combined for an unforgettable evening of festivities, all to benefit City Harvest.

The red carpet was rolled out onto Bowery as hundreds of guests began to file into the glamorous ballroom. Though there were two designated VIP sections, everyone fortunate to have been in attendance on this night was specifically made to feel special- as they should, with tickets for the evening priced at just under $300. But if you gauged the lineup of folks leaving Capitale at the conclusion of the evening, you would hardly get the impression that any of them had buyer’s remorse after experiencing such a memorable affair.

The lineup of participating restaurants at “Lobster de Mayo” sounds like you’d be reading them off of a Zagat New York City restaurant list. Gramercy Tavern, Jean Georges, ABC Kitchen, Marea, Betony, Marc Forgione among others, are among the most highly regarded in all of Manhattan and each of them were fully staffed on this night, doling out everything from lobster tacos to ceviche by the meticulous crafting of their chef’s hands. The lobsters were provided courtesy of Homarus, who are among New York’s top purveyors but also acted as the evening’s hosts.

Once inside, guests were welcomed to pose on the red carpet at the step and repeat setup and to peruse the multitude of silent auction items ranging from music memorabilia to autographed sports jerseys and experiences. But most in attendance took a few additional steps forward to marvel at the grandiose space. The dead center featured a massive bar, fully staffed on all sides and doling out hand crafted cocktails and beers at a rapid pace. Just steps away, a special Margarita Bar was erected where guests were given fully engraved fruit muddlers and given their choice of Margaritas, prepared with freshly squeezed juice all sponsored by Patron. VIP guests meanwhile were treated to some plush lounge style seating, food runner services, a special raw bar and exclusive Patron tastings, along with elevated views down upon a crowded ballroom floor.

But all of the accoutrements aside, the truly exceptional food being served cannot be understated. It began even before we entered the main space at Betony where Executive Chef Bryce Shuman was personally handing out a succulent “Poached Lobster.” Richly lacquered with a creamy sabayon and chives, the colorful dish was an outstanding offering both in texture and flavor. Just steps away, Lavo had been garnering perhaps the most buzz all evening long with a fully fleshed out pink lobster claw atop a freshly sliced salad. The addition of a salty, crunchy breadstick was but a tasty afterthought to the generous portion of chewy lobster meat which was mouthwatering enough on it’s own.

Though some restaurants like ABC Kitchen, Tao Downtown and Beauty & Essex similarly served their own inventive takes on “Lobster Tacos,” we found ourselves drooling at the prospects of distinction. And Jean Georges‘ unparalleled “Lobster and Gruyere Cheeseburgers” were as distinctive and delectable as anything that we had the pleasure of tasting. The hunk of lobster meat was fashioned into a bulbous patty, stuffed between a halved brioche bun and topped with a dollop of green chile drizzle, bibb lettuce and a pickle for a particularly hearty combination of different flavors. The sandwich was absolutely extraordinary and was our immediate standout of the night for this writer’s discerning palate. To avoid mentioning the dishes from The General (an excellent “Cantonese Lobster”), Catch (creamy “Lobster Roll”) and Gramercy Tavern (one-bite “Lobster Salad with Pickled Aji Dulce Peppers” atop a crunchy cracker) though, would be doing each of them a disservice, considering the fact that at any other event, each of these would be the clear cut finest samples offered.

Considering there’s perhaps no food that exudes a feeling of opulence like a lobster (at least, until “Caviar de Mayo” exists), it’s fitting that the first ever “Lobster de Mayo” was as lavish and grand as its name would imply. There was delicately crafted food and drink at literally every turn, enough so that the sheer amount of things to taste or imbibe could be a bit overwhelming. And when you’ve paid a premium to attend an event of this magnitude, that’s precisely how you should be left feeling long after it’s concluded- completely satisfied, inspired and in awe that you had been fortunate enough to be a part of it all.

- Jane Van Arsdale

ABC Kitchen & ABC Cocina: “Lobster Taco, Fennel, Chiles & Lemon”

Tao Uptown – Lobster Sausage with Mis en place

Betony: “Poached Lobster, Sabayon, Chives”

Lavo – Lobster and Spring Vegetable Salad

Tao Downtown – Lobster Tacos with Avocado, Cabbage & Special Sauce

  

The Sea Grill: “Lobster Five Ways”

   

 

The General: “The General Roll” & “Cantonese Lobster”

 

Beauty & Essex: “Lobster Tacos” & “Black Bottomed Butterscotch Pot de Creme”

 

Marea – Lobster and Sichuan Beef Tendon Arepas

Marc Forgione – Chili Lobster, Spring Cous Cous

The Wayfarer: “Roasted Maine Lobster” & “Poached Maine Lobster”

 

Gramercy Tavern: “Lobster Salad with Pickled Aji Dulce Peppers”

Catch: “Lobster Roll” & “Macaroni & Lobster Cream”

 

Jean Georges: “Lobster and Gruyere Cheeseburgers”

Arlington Club

Sunday afternoon’s marginal sunshine did little to drive people away from Chelsea restaurant Txikito, who opened up the spacious alley behind the eatery to host “Txikifest ’14,” a now annual showcase for the many wines of the Basque region of Spain alongside small dishes from participating restaurants to compliment them. Proceeds of this year’s festivities would benefit nonprofit organization Edible Schoolyard which seeks to bring expertise in gardening and kitchen instruction to underprivileged areas. The four hour event would bring more than a dozen wineries and ten food purveyors under the erected tent space, packing in a sea of hungry guests chomping at the bit to taste something new.

The line to enter “Txikifest” stretched from around the back alley of the restaurant out toward its front doors on 9th Avenue just as the party was getting started. Since the event had been so historically successful a sellout was no real surprise, though the sheer mass of bodies in one place did make moving around and eating comfortably a bit of a challenge. But that said, the food and drink offerings were particularly tasty and with the funds being raised from the sellout donated to a charitable organization, it’s tough to find much to really complain about. And to the credit of the many folks stuffed inside, spirits remained high throughout the afternoon as guests enjoyed their fill of unique eats.

Guests were handed a commemorative tasting glass upon entering and with those in our outstretched hands, we quickly sipped on crisp pours of Txakoli (wines) from Gorka Izaguirre and Zudugarai, which were deliciously tangy. After slurping down some “Blue Point Oysters” doused in a mixture of mignonette and cocktail sauce, freshly shucked courtesy of Wild Edibles, we found ourselves briefly waiting on lines as we headed toward the far end of the alley. Along the journey, standouts included some delectably deep-fried “Crab Doughnuts” from Poole’s on a bed of pickled field peas and a creamy piquillo aioli, a tremendously “Spicy Green Papaya Salad” from Kuma Inn and a modernized take on traditional fare from Hoboken’s Cucharamama with grilled shrimp atop a “Fresh Corn Cuban-Style Polenta.”

Toward the very back of the outdoor space, a large grill was fired up cooking a pile of green root vegetables until their exterior had turned completely black and charred. Bar Mateo was preparing the day’s most eccentric dish as their “Baby Vidalia Onion ‘Calcots,’” which were wrapped and served in newspaper like street food, had to be stripped of their char-grilled strands and dipped into a delicious red sauce. The onions themselves were soft and sweet and the garlic and oil-filled chunky sauce provided a tangy contrast to the white layered vegetable- though removing the black coloring from each of our fingers did prove to be a chore.

Following a re-visit to our favorite tastes from Co. (Their “Panzanella Spiedeni” and “Broccoli Rabe & Chili Toast” bites were excellent), we made a final stop to La Newyorkina and their selection of frozen paletas. With a fiery “Mango Chili” pop and a “Chocolate” variety, we made sure to sample both the sweet and savory spectrum before licking them down to the very stick. Though certainly crowded, “Txikifest ’14″ was an enlightening afternoon in Chelsea and proved to be an ideal way to spend a Sunday in New York City- by celebrating the eclectic cuisines and flavors from a region that is too often underappreciated for their culinary accumen.

- Jane Van Arsdale

Wild Edibles: “Blue Point Oysters”

Txikito: “Txikito’s Homemade Txistorra – Navarran Style Homemade Sausage”

La Vara & El Quinto Pino: “Fideua – Toasted Noodle Paella, Shrimp, Calamari“

 

Cucharamama: “Fresh Corn Cuban-Style Polenta”

Kuma Inn: “Spicy Green Papaya Salad”

  

Bar Mateo: “Baby Vidalia Onion ‘Calcots’ with Salvitxada”

   

Co.: “Panzanella Spiedeni,” “Broccoli Rabe & Chili Toast,” “Rhubarb Brioche Bread Pudding”

 

Poole’s: “Crab Doughnuts”

The Guilty Goose
131 West 23rd Street near Sixth Avenue, Chelsea
212-255-3727
Getting There: 1,F,M to 23rd Street
http://www.guiltygoose.com

It’s a slightly upscale style gastropub meets brasserie and it sits inside of a Chelsea bed and breakfast. It’s The Guilty Goose and it’s a relaxing space to kick back and enjoy any number of their long list of delicious craft beers. With a handful of competitively priced specials amid the casual setting, The Guilty Goose is an ideal destination in a nook of the neighborhood that is bereft of notable ones.

From inside the bar, you’d have no idea that there was a quaint Inn connected to the place. The bar seats are routinely occupied, but the nearby tables that line the adjacent wall are fully sufficient to chow down on some of the Goose’s fairly eclectic menu. From charcuterie & cheese to pot stewed dishes and flatbreads, there’s plenty to choose from here. The “Fish Tacos” ($14) with a bucket of tasty French fries were particularly tasty, kicked up a bit with a sriracha aioli.

The taps are a rotating array of eight distinctive styles, currently highlighted by the intense Great South Bay “Hoppocratic Oath” ($9) and the Coronado and Cigar City “Jurata” ($8). We stayed a bit more familiar though, washing down each hunk of taco with an Ommegang “Witte” ($7), an old favorite. The bar does also offer some large format style brews, each of which is greater than 20 ounces and ranges in price from $15 to $41 (Allagash “Curieux Bourbon Barrel-Aged Trippel”) which should really only be ordered if you’re attempting to impress your friends or your lady with full on beer snobbery). The Guilty Goose also has plenty of space in back for bottomless boozy brunches on weekends or for ponying up for a more intimate dinner in their plush green booths. The overhead bulbs hanging down from the track lighting gives the Goose a very modern feel- almost as if this place used to be a failing business until Chef Robert Irvine and his “Restaurant: Impossible” crew came in and overhauled its entire layout. I suppose that’s a pretty warm compliment for a very comfortable craft beer bar and restaurant that we stumbled upon.

The Rundown

Bar Type - A relatively little known restaurant at the base of a Chelsea bed & breakfast which also happens to be uniquely located and serves up a competent beer list.
When to Visit – Because of the dearth of similar places on 23rd Street, you can’t really go wrong here at any time. Though prices are more catered toward the budgeted drinker during Happy Hour, The Guilty Goose is a great area recommendation for meeting with a pal and enjoying a few brews after work. The space is more geared toward enjoying a meal, but as a first or last stop of the night, this place is perfect.
Value - You can stop by any time from 4-7pm for $5 drafts during Happy Hour or enjoy some half priced wines for their ‘Couples Night’ on Mondays. For the best value, duck in on a day off for a ‘Burger & Beer’ special, which only costs you $15 and is guaranteed to fill you up.
The Lowdown – The Guilty Goose is one part beer bar and the other, modernized eatery. You aren’t likely to find yourself waiting awhile for drinks nor inside of a crazy bar setting. But you can sip on some unique beers, hear yourself talk and find a place where you’re actually comfortable. The crowd is likely to skew a bit older, but on the other hand, haven’t you been hanging around Murray Hill enough as it is?