While an overabundance of menu items at a restaurant is often a good problem to have, the fact of the matter is that our stomachs have limited capacity. And as such, some of the more eye popping options at New York City outposts are forced to be eschewed to the dreaded – ‘we’ll try that next time’- which let’s be honest, never comes to fruition. Conceptually however, a restaurant like Burger & Lobster is refreshing because of it’s uniquely limited menu – you know exactly what your choices are before even stepping foot inside of the cavernous space. Heck, it’s even in the title. And while the first New York City outpost of the London brand has expanded their menu by way of different condiments and options, their core of three distinctive- and fairly priced- selections still remains as the place’s most prominent drawing card.

Since opening it’s original location with just three choices: a juicy burger, a fresh lobster or a lobster roll – all for just $20, served with fries and a salad- both the menu offerings and prices have expanded in kind. But this is New York City, where a $25 lobster roll or a $28 lobster doesn’t scare us – and fortunately in terms of both flavor and value- it shouldn’t scare you either.

Most surprising is Burger & Lobster’s sheer size. The place is absolutely spacious but is also brightly lit up and simply feels like a clean, comfortable setting- one that is absolutely ideal for large groups to gather together and chow down. The decor is a seemingly unnatural blend of contemporary New York meets an Americana fast casual style- but its atmosphere definitely works with red leather banquettes surrounding a mostly wood paneled space. Inventively, wooden lobster tanks segregate the sizable bar area from the dining room in non-obtrusive but still eye-catching manner. But enough about the tables and chairs- it’s the food that you’re trekking to the Flatiron District for- and it’s the food that will reward you in kind.

Notably, each of the portions are entirely generous given that a silver cylinder of salty French fries and a small garden salad accompanies each order. To wash down much of the hearty fare, a pour of “The Beer” ($9) was a particularly refreshing order. Created specifically for the New York City outpost by Brooklyn’s Sixpoint Brewery, the Pale Ale style was deliciously hoppy without being overwhelming, a definitive complement to a massive burger dubbed “The Original” ($20). On a night that left us so amped up for lobster, the burger itself was the evening’s nicest surprise. Perfectly cooked to a medium-rare temperature, the 10 ounce blend of well seasoned Pat LaFrieda beef meshed wonderfully with an outlay of cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion and crunchy pickles. Best of all, the entirety of its components stayed in tact throughout our meal- no gooey, soggy buns on this night- a definite plus for City burger-seekers.

Equally impressive in size was “The Original” ($28) lobster.  One and a half-pounds of freshly cracked Nova Scotia meat, plucked from the shell and tender to the taste.  There are two other size options depending upon one’s level of hunger, but the medium portion was more than filling enough- served either grilled or steamed.  Dipped in a small vat of drawn butter, the succulent lobster meat was rich and juicy- a decadent serving of delicious opulence as the liquified butter drizzled down our smiling chins.  Our only gripe here was temperature- we would have preferred a piping hot claw to the slightly warm style that was served tableside.  But fortunately, the flavor profile still managed to remain tasty.

The Japanese mayonnaise lathered lobster roll- also dubbed “The Original” ($25)- meanwhile, was the lightest in terms of size, but damn if it wasn’t exceptional.  Overflowing with hunks of claw meat, the creamy combination mixed with bright green chives and a buttery potato-brioche bun made for a particularly memorable take on the traditional northeast sandwich.  The knock on B&L’s “Lobster Roll” has been that it’s a bit bread heavy and while that criticism is not necessarily unfair, it hardly detracts from what is otherwise an intensely delectable dish.  Sure you can order “The Fiesta” served with chipotle mayo or “The 7 Samurai” equipped with a cucumber, sesame and ginger blend- but “The Original” served our group just fine.

The space is huge but is bright and inviting.  The menu is limited, but there is seemingly no wrong way to order.  The drink list is reasonably priced and there is plenty from which to choose.  Most importantly, the entire dining experience simply feels vibrant, energetic and fun.  That is of course, until you’ve left a sea of napkins on top of the remains of what was once a nice looking lobster roll or burger- for at the end of the meal, you’re almost certain to need a long walk home.

Rundown of the Meal

Signature Cocktails
Sweet Sweet Jalapeno ($12) – El Jimador Reposado Tequila, Honey Jalapeno Syrup

Beer
The Beer $9 – House Pale Ale from Sixpoint Brewery

Burgers
The Original ($20)*

Lobsters
The Original ($28) – 1.5lb lobster

Lobster Rolls
The Original ($25)* – tossed in Japanese mayo with chives

It’s important that you set all aspersions aside when you consider dining at a spot called Sticky’s Finger Joint, a place that recently opened their second Manhattan outpost on a friendly Murray Hill corner. To describe the place as fast food would be unfairly labeling the niche eatery whose finished product far exceeds what you might expect to taste from an anything-but-ordinary ode to the chicken finger. And with the younger skewing neighborhood, replete with a bar at every step, it’s clear that this location of Sticky’s is set to do some bonkers business especially with the late night crowd.

There’s a small and colorful sign that sits atop the black brick exterior at Sticky’s that reads ‘Perhaps the greatest chicken finger you have ever had.’ Alone, the sentiment certainly seems well intentioned- that is until you walk beneath the bright 1970′s style neon orange signage and step inside the Finger Joint to give Sticky’s a taste for yourself. Inside, there are a handful of seats- which is fine considering that you’re going to want to eat these at home so that nobody can see you. The space is brightly lit, showing off the massive menu above the counter which is equipped with enough sauces and styles to make your head spin. While you wait for your order, take some time to gaze at the place’s eye-catching mural that contrary to popular opinion is not actually 3-D wall art.

At Sticky’s, there is no shortage of ordering options from single fingers to poppers, classic or spicy style and that’s before considering a multitude of sauces and toppings. While some offerings are certainly better than others, much of ordering at Sticky’s depends greatly upon your personal tastes and perhaps even more so, your mood at the time. Feel like having a chicken finger just one way? No problem. Care to customize your own? No problem. Whatever the preparation, their chicken fingers are absolutely scrumptious. The crunchy bread crumb laden exterior is fried to a crispy crunch, but inside the strips are undeniably tender and never dry. Over the years, over-cooked and juiceless chicken fingers have been given a bad name by Bar Mitzvahs, weddings and other catered affairs which essentially have them tanning under a warming light for the better part of nine hours. Sticky’s gets the basic finger just right and all of the accoutrements work to enhance these flavors admirably.

“French Onion Supreme Fingers” ($10.10) & “Bacon Mac Fries” ($5.51)

 

Signature offerings like the “Cool Tikka Masala,” a subtly sweet curry-style coconut sauce and the “French Onion Supreme” topped in crispy bacon, tasty scallions, fried onions and a rich onion cream were both notably delicious. But the move at Sticky’s is to simply order up some plain fingers and choose a variety of sauces for dipping. Additional sauces are priced at just .92, so there’s no sense in being conservative here. While the “Jalapeno Mac Sauce,” which lacquered the (pardon the pun) finger-licking “Bacon Mac & Cheese Fries” ranked up there with the very best gooey cheeses that we’ve ever tasted, we went absolutely wild for our other two selections- both of which are must tries. First, “Sticky’s Sauce” is like a savory cinnamon bun frosting- a not overly sweet white barbecue sauce that is rich and creamy, like no sauce you’ve ever tasted. Somehow, just as spectacular, the “Buffalo Balsamic Maple” infuses maple syrup and balsamic vinegar with more traditional wing sauce in an incredible way. Sweet and tangy, the versatile sauce would be a fine pairing with just about anything, but smothered on a soft, tender chicken finger- it’s simply delectable.

“Large Classic Fingers” ($11.48) & “Cool Tikka Masala Finger” ($3.21)

 

Keep your expectations tempered when going in and then prepare to have your mind blown at Sticky’s Finger Joint, a fast-casual, mostly takeout spot that caters solely to an audience of comfort food lovers and drunk young-ins. Forget all those that you’ve had before Sticky’s, because one thing is certain: you’ve never had chicken fingers quite like these. We’d like to give them a finger of our own- a resounding thumb’s up.

Rundown of the Meal

A La Carte Fingers
Large Classic Fingers ($11.48)* – 5 Fingers with Two Sauces
Homemade Sauces ($0.92) – Sticky’s Sauce*, Buffalo Balsamic Maple*, Jalapeno Mac

Signature Fingers
Order of 3 ($10.50, $3.21 per additional) – French Onion Supreme, Cool Tikka Masala*

Fries & Sides
Bacon Mac Fries ($5.51)*

*Meal Highlight

By the time you’ve finally secured your table at Soho’s Charlie Bird, you’re likely to have heard all about the restaurant long before sitting down. The unique layout and veritable hipster decor, the slightly Italian leaning menu and the supposedly wondrous service that greets you are all to be expected. But nothing truly prepares you for the experience of dining through the blaring hip hop music overhead- some of which can be explicit and a bit off-putting even for our hardly uptight sensibility- which is an avoidable but somehow purposeful detriment to an otherwise fine place to sit down.

First things first- none of our gripes have anything to do with the food or the intricate space, which is pleasantly vibrant and modernized. In light of the heaps of praise bestowed upon the service at Charlie Bird, our experience was an entirely different animal. Though everyone’s entitled to an off day or night, our Sunday afternoon reservation, booked well in advance, was seemingly in danger according to the hostess and bartender, because the place closes down between lunch and dinner. And although it was ultimately honored, we were ushered in and out of the restaurant in about 45 minutes by our server, who between bringing courses out of order and selectively jotting down our drinks incorrectly, was outwardly aggressive and utterly unapologetic. Shocking to us again, considering the buzz that surrounds Charlie Bird’s reputation for stellar service.

In retrospect, we would have been better served to grab seats on the place’s newly opened outdoor patio which sits on a distinctively remote corner of King Street- but with the noise level and our one-off experience with our server aside, the food at Charlie Bird is good. Very good. And if you’re the type that can shrug off a somewhat distracting atmosphere for an excellent meal, then we’d urge that you make your reservation now. Four elongated shells house the restaurant’s “Razor Clams” ($13), a must try during any visit as the chilled viscous hunks are laced with fennel and tangy pickled chiles for visual and flavorful appeasement. Moreover, the “Crisply Roasted Half Chicken” ($23) though not necessarily on the level of The Nomad (nor anywhere near as pricey), is also quite good here. The generous thick breast meat is nicely quartered with a seasoned and savory skin, adding more complexity to the already juicy bites of tender meat, topped with a bed of a 7 herb salad for garnishing.

The place’s colorful menu is categorically partitioned into four different areas for lunch and five for dinner, but the place is seemingly never short on specials. We thoroughly enjoyed their “Pork Belly” ($18) special served over soggy collard greens and topped with a runny egg which oozed yellow yolk atop the salt-laden cured meat, though the “Veal Pastrami” ($15), seemingly thrown together on a plate was far too fatty to enjoy. The elements here- rye crisps, spicy mustard and a pickle salad- worked well collaboratively, but could not override the underwhelming focus of the dish.

To date, the pasta dishes at Charlie Bird have probably received an unfair amount of criticism. Our nicely sized dish of “Gnocchi Rosa” ($16) was expectedly fluffy, but the array of subtly sweet travaglini tomatoes kicked up the spice to a surprising degree, allowing our taste buds to remain energized and the entirety of the pasta here with the requisite creamy ricotta and fresh basil worked together admirably. Though it seemed we had just sat down, it was already time for dessert and despite dining in record time, Charlie Bird’s “Coconut Panna Cotta” ($12) was exceptionally good. Served sweet and jiggly, the lush white cream layer was topped with a touch of berry and some light gingerbread crumbles- but really, no accompanying ingredients would have been necessary here.

We’ll be the first to admit that no restaurant experience is perfect, and yet we evidently selected the wrong time to stop into Charlie Bird with our critic’s hat in hand. As the lunch crowd dissipated, the booming music did not- and when there are problems with the timing and accuracy of your server, every single component of your meal gets seemingly magnified. Fortunately for Charlie Bird, their array of dishes and quality of cooking allows this writer to see the forest through the trees, though it’s hard to imagine returning for seconds.

Rundown of the Meal

Raw
Razor Clams ($13)* – Fennel and Pickled Chiles

Pasta
Gnocchi Rosa ($16) – basil, ricotta, travaglini tomatoes (spicy) fluffy gnocchi

Small & Large
Veal Pastrami ($15) – Pickle Salad, Rye Crisps, Spicy Mustard, Fatty
Crisply Roasted Half Chicken ($23)* – 7 herb salad

Specials
Pork Belly ($18)

Dessert
Coconut Panna Cotta ($12)* – Gingerbread Crumble

*Meal Highlight

There’s nothing ordinary about topping a standard beef frankfurter with the likes of crushed hot Doritos, strawberry jam or deep fried bacon cubes. There’s actually nothing ordinary about the place that serves them either. The diminutively sized storefront of Los Perros Locos is shrouded a bit by a poorly placed bus stop on the Lower East Side, but you’d be well advised to dodge the pack of commuters patiently waiting for a South Ferry bus and head in for some deliciously unhealthy comfort food.

As commonplace as niche cuisine has become in New York City, every newly opened haunt seems to deliver its own inventive twist. Such is the case at Los Perros Locos, where a dog doused solely in mustard is likely to get you as dirty a look as if you had ordered in French. Inside of the colorful shop meanwhile sits a bevy of distinctive character. Seating options are limited to some small picnic style tables and a counter resembling a skate ramp which sandwich the ordering window on either side, but the decor is definitively unique. Drawing notable inspiration from his Miami upbringing, owner Alex Mitek’s neon meets graffiti inspired vision is utterly fitting and boasts an inviting if not overly casual atmosphere.

Though most orders are likely to be taken out (with a delivery service that runs until after 4am!), we pony up to the high top counter and lay out our dogs for eating. It should be noted that aside from veggie options, Los Perros Locos also offers burgers, a chicken sandwich, grilled corn and their intricate take on ‘Salchipapas’ or fries all of which can run the gamut of ingredients from chorizo to smoked ham.

“There’s no sense in going half-way,” we thought as we ordered up two of the most overly dressed weiners we had ever seen. The dog dubbed “Mas Perfecto” ($7.50) resembled more a work of art than a consumable food product. Topped with a sliced open quail egg and deep fried bacon cubes which served only as the garnish for a lacquering spread of (count ‘em) five different salsas, a creamy apple chipotle slaw, melted mozzarella cheese and a handful of crushed chips. To call this creation messy would be an understatement, but once the embarrassing assortment of colors was wiped clean from our cheeks, true indulgence set in. Each ingredient surrounded the piping hot beef ‘perro’- from the cool slaw to the crunch-laden potato chips- so much so that tasting the actual hot dog itself proved to be a challenge- but the collection of toppings was downright tasty.

The slightly tangier “Chimi-Churi-Chori” ($8) was equally as messy but admittedly a bit inferior to the ‘Perfecto.’ With a smattering of orange Aji Panca aioli atop a chimichurri drizzle, grilled Provoleta and chorizo atop the requisite crushed potato chips which we’ve learned is a staple at Los Perros Locos, the hearty, flavorful dog placed a close second during our initial visit. As the pair of hot dogs dueled for supremacy, they served to adequately fill us up with the kind of guilty pleasure that only a comfort food of this caliber can provide. Though it’s incredibly difficult to narrow down your final selection among an array of delicious sounding options, one thing is for sure- you won’t leave a visit to Los Perros Locos with any pangs of hunger, you dirty dog.

Rundown of the Meal

Perros Tipicos

Mas Perfecto ($7.50)*

Perros Especiales

Chimi-Churi-Chori ($8.00)*

*Meal Highlight

The many windows that wrap around Grey Lady look out onto a busy Delancey Street, which is normally not snow covered. With the sun shining, outdoor tables typically envelop the building, yielding an uber-casual daytime atmosphere considering the fare being handed out. But tonight, we are ensconced in a full on mess of winter weather. It’s cold and snowy and the restaurant acts as a much welcomed respite from the world outside. Decoratively, Grey lady is outlined with small mirrors and picture frames among other knick-nacks that cover parts of the drably painted rustic gray walls. The long and narrow L-shaped bar is striking upon first glance, completely filled with patrons who appear to be stopping here for a small bite and a first drink before braving the elements for the night ahead. The informal dining tables scattered around the room are equally as populated, surprisingly by different groups of women amid the dimly lit setting.

The menu here is neither diverse nor necessarily vast, just as you might expect, but it certainly fits in nicely with the charm of the venue which feels utterly cool. Formulaically though, the team’s strategy seems to be working as sister restaurant Norman’s Cay was among the most anticipated openings of the fall. Prices here are reasonable with the menu divided between Starters (none of which exceed $17) and Mains. That said, there are some distinctive dishes like the smoky “Bluefish Pate” ($12) with mustard caviar and the hearty “Lobster Pot Pie” ($28), though there’s no re-creating the wheel with much of the offerings. We picked at the “Peppers” ($8), grilled shishito style and not overly zested with lemon. The black sesame seeds added a subtle hint of nuttiness to quell the cracklings of sea salt that sprinkled each dark green stem. The heaping pot of “Mussels” ($14) brought with it a literal sea of different tastes punctuated by a flavorful tomato broth that saturated the shellfish and the hunks of cooked Spanish chorizo with a blend that highlighted fresh herbs and citrus notes.

Where Grey Lady really shined though was with their main dishes. The intricately prepared “Swordfish” ($26) proved to be an excellent selection as the ‘Fish of the Day.’ Thick and meaty, the tender filet was generously portioned and served atop some sliced Chinese cabbage and drizzled with a rich red glaze. The Asian inspiration continued with the “Tuna Burger” ($22), a sushi grade cut of ‘Yellow Fin’ served in between the buns of an English muffin lunch tray style with different taste compartments. Thick cut French fries proved pivotal for dipping in the remaining sides of wasabi aioli and the salty meets sweet ginger soy, sided by a portion of crunchy chilled Asian pickles. To no surprise, the Maine style “Lobster Roll” ($26) stood superior to the dishes that preceded it, with a full pound of tender shucked lobster served cold and decadently wrapped in a buttery fluffed bun. With each bulbous bite, the meshing of flavors and temperatures was downright delectable as we unintentionally devoured the handheld sandwich far too quickly for our liking, though in our defense, the dish was in fact, that good.

When you consider the reasonably priced, quality dishes being prepared at Grey Lady, coupled with an ambiance that exudes the essence of the word ‘cool,’ it’s no wonder that the team is already on to their second standalone location. They’ve managed to harness the characteristics of a quaint Manhattan restaurant that also captures some of the authenticity you’d find much further up north on the east coast. And it’s that middle ground that Grey Lady straddles that make it so special and somehow, so normal.

Rundown of the Meal

Starters

Peppers ($8)

Mussels ($14)

Mains

Lobster Roll ($26)*

Tuna Burger ($22)

Fish of the Day ($26) – Swordfish*

*Meal Highlight

To those not in the know, the fall arrival of Sichuan style restaurant Han Dynasty was likely received as just another Chinese restaurant on an East Village street corner. But to dismiss it as such would be utterly ignorant to the restaurant’s lineage, what with five successful locales in the Philadelphia area and one actually just outside of the city limits in southern New Jersey. But with ample buzz and lengthy dinner time table waits which stretch outside the place’s red cold weather corridor and onto Third Avenue, even passersby are forced to take notice that something special is brewing inside of Han Dynasty, the first such Manhattan outpost of the Pennsylvania staple.

Whether you’re waiting for a table or you’re seated right away, there’s not much in the restaurant’s barren decor to keep you engaged. Instead, your eyes are drawn to the many tables and dishes buzzing all around you, the flurry of waiters weaving between the closely placed tables or the smoke rising from the unique looking hot pots shared amongst a given group. But more often than not, dining out for Chinese is rarely about the ambiance and the lack thereof here really allows guests to extend laser like focus on each dish.

Just about every line item on Han Dynasty’s expansive menu has a parenthetic bold red number which reveals not the number of dumplings in an order, but each selection’s level of spice, ranging from the mild (1) to the hot (10). While each order can be prepared more toward a guest’s liking, we’re of the opinion that one is to eat as the restaurant intends and as such, we left each item ordered without customization- at times to our tongue’s detriment. The chilled “Dan Dan Noodles” ($7.95) should be at the forefront of any order but be forewarned that they are considerably spicy if you are unprepared for them. Tasty strands of golden flour noodles are meshed with hunks of ground pork amid a bevy of Asian inspired ingredients from sesame paste to vegetable, peppercorn and chile oils and the resulting flavors are outstanding. You also can’t go wrong with either the “Wontons in Chili Oil” or the “Dumplings in Chili Oil,” both priced at $6.95. If pressed, we prefer the latter which delicately laid a handful of oversized soft dumplings stacked in a bowl saturated in tangy oil and sprinkled with ample sesame seeds. Flavorful without being spicy, each bite served up exactly what you would hope for from an expertly prepared dumpling.

The entree portion of the menu is reflective of the restaurant’s versatility with an array of different styles that cater to the appetites of each diner, who can mix and match cooking preparations with a protein to their liking. From the “Dry Pot Style” which utilizes a sizzling tabletop mini-wok to the “Pickled Chili Style” which incorporates leeks and hot peppers alongside the requisite chili oil, there are sixty different combinations of entrees from which to choose. Surprisingly, it was Han Dynasty’s “Black Bean Style Shrimp” ($18.95) that was an absolute home run for us. Bulbous jumbo shrimp comprised the main focus of the dish, but the subtly sweet thicker soy based sauce lacquered the bed of red and green peppers, onions and mushrooms brilliantly with a touch of Asian inspired authenticity that’s just not available at your run of the mill takeout restaurant. Equally as mouthwatering is the truly distinctive “Dry Pepper Style Chicken” ($13.95) which is among Han Dynasty’s most popular dishes. The presentation is artistically plated with dark red peppers and green scallion slices surrounding the soft chunks of popcorn-style chicken. Be forewarned, the dish ranks at a heat level of 8, so make sure to eschew the hot chili peppers where you can or have a glass of milk by your side. Served delectably dry (sounds funny, I know), each morsel packs a unique wallop of flavor where the spice creeps up after each bite. Though fried, there is minimal grease and though the health conscious eater may have a hard time falling asleep at night, the confluence of different flavors here add to the distinction of being among the restaurant’s finest creations. The admirable “Scallion Style Pork” ($11.95) more than held its own here, but proved inferior to the other two dishes, despite a preponderance of succulent hoisin and oyster sauce in this stir-fry setting.

Of the reports we’ve read, we were admittedly skeptical about our first foray into Han Dynasty. Rumors of a boisterous atmosphere, lengthy table waits and inconsistent fare had us scratching our heads as we sat immediately and thoroughly enjoyed each dish presented to us amid a festive and energetic weekend afternoon. We couldn’t have been more impressed by our initial trip to Han Dynasty, which in our estimation is Philadelphia’s greatest export since the cream cheese. Alright fine, the cheesesteak.

Rundown of the Meal

Hot Appetizers

Dumplings in Chili Oil ($6.95)*

Wontons in Chili Oil ($6.95)

Noodles

Dan Dan Noodles ($7.95)*

Entrees

Dry Pepper Style Chicken ($13.95)*

Scallion Style Pork ($11.95)

Black Bean Style Shrimp ($18.95)*

*Meal Highlight

Much of the menu at Nolita‘s modernized take on the classic French bistro, Tartinery, is quite basic. Take a topping of your choice and have it thickly layered atop some deliciously fresh bread and voila, you’ve got yourself a tartine. But much of the masterful cuisine here lies in the execution and technique from the kitchen and often the end result is pleasantly far more complex than you’d anticipate from such an elementary concept. With close to twenty distinctive varieties, Tartinery has certainly crafted its own niche amid an atmosphere that feels cozy and inviting.

The street level windows that peer out to Mulberry Street reveal the classy but casual sort of coffee bar feel that you’d expect to stumble upon while walking around in Paris. With small tables packed in tightly next to each other, Tartinery’s top floor features a long bar and a communal window side bench backed by fluffy white pillows, but the setup upstairs is hardly indicative of the elaborate decor on the level below. Highlighted by a tree that grows in the center of the dining space, the main restaurant space is both chic and comfortable. Exposed bricks line the entirety of the surrounding walls, punctuated by eye catching black and white photos and overhead black dome lights which illuminate each of the numbered tables around the dining area.

Whether its an intimate dinner for two or a brunch for a group of friends, Tartinery’s menu and sliced portions for sharing are suitable for any desired dining experience. That said, the restaurant is best served for the more fearless eater, unafraid of ordering unorthodox dishes- and it is those diners who are greatly rewarded here. Each tartine is considerable in size, sliced into five generous pieces that utilize crisp Poliane country bread as its base. The selection runs the gamut from the traditional- the fresh mozzarella and tomato topped “Mozza” ($12) and the fresh ricotta and prosciutto laden “Ricotta” ($12.50)- to the inventive- the “Crevettes Avocat” ($15) combines fresh shrimp, guacamole and cocktail sauce, all in one helping. Fortunately, much of the menu is entirely affordable with the sliced terrine of “Foie Gras” topping out as the priciest offering at $24. Eying the shared dish as our appetizer, the creamy spread of fattened duck liver was delectably rich across the sliced rustic bread. Sprinkled in sea salt, the helping was plated with a serving of sweet fig jam resulting in a confluence of different flavors meshing together in excellent fashion. Any remaining bread was thoroughly doused in our hearty soups, of which the “Soupe a L’Oignon Gratinee” ($8.50) or French onion soup was the standout, as you would anticipate.

We made sure to order from a spectrum of ingredients, eager to experience the different tartines being offered. Beginning with the “Tartare” ($15.50), it was imminently clear that the chefs at Tartinery had been thoroughly trained in the art of French cuisine. Combining hunks of seasoned minced raw ground beef with capers and a lone potato chip sticking far out from one side, each crunchy slice of bread produced a taste profile that was creamy and rich and as a result, not a morsel of chilled pink meat was left remaining on the shared plate. “The Croque Madame” ($15), a staple of any French kitchen, was similarly a can’t miss here. Topped with a fried egg, the runny yellow yolk oozed down upon the torn apart cooked ham and creamy gruyere cheese and made for the finest combination of ingredients on our table. The wasabi mayonnaise infused “Thon Cru” ($17) with shaves of raw tuna and fennel and the seemingly Asian inspired “Confit De Canard” ($19), prepared with duck confit and cucumbers would have also been notable dishes had the first two not been so utterly fantastic.

As satiated as the main portion of the meal at Tartinery had left us, the restaurant pulled out yet another fantastic if not overly basic concoction for dessert. The “Tartine Nutella Banane” ($7) featured a hazelnut spread of brown Nutella coupled with thinly sliced bananas- perhaps the most rudimentary of preparations and somehow, the most tasty of confections- all similarly served on the same sliced bread that we had so thoroughly enjoyed in each of our earlier courses. While Tartinery’s menu is not overly expansive, their ability to focus on the little things- excellent service, kitchen technique, adherence to the principles of basic French cooking- is what allows them to create such fine dishes from the most fundamental of elements. And it’s the little things that make even a casual bistro feel like a special place.

Rundown of the Meal

Appetizers

Foie Gras ($24)*

Soups

Soupe a L’Oignon Gratinee ($8.50)*

Veloute Chat. et Champ ($8.50)

Tartines

Thon Cru ($17)

Tartare ($15.50)*

Croque Madame ($15)*

Confit De Canard ($19)

Desserts

Tartine Nutella Banane ($7)*

*Meal Highlight

The space formerly known as Houston’s (pronounced like the New York City street or like the Texas city?) underwent little more than a simple name change when it became Hillstone in 2010 as the restaurant group which owns similar restaurants around the country was focused on a re-branding reboot. The new name aside, and the place and apparently its consistency haven’t changed much since then, bringing quality American style fare to the Flatiron District in an area of Park Avenue bereft of much else. Based on some of its pricy menu Hillstone fares well in serving the suit and tie crowd, and as you’ll read, capably keeps the rest of us relatively content as well.

Hillstone sits on the ground floor of an old corporate building, a fitting space considering its surroundings. Inside the restaurant the plush booths, dim lighting, and long rectangular bar meanwhile resemble a lobby bar and restaurant, although the place is far more spacious than that would seemingly imply. Dark mahogany tables are surrounded by soft leather chairs and half circle padded booths to create a very business like setting during lunch or dinner hours. In many ways, Hillstone is actually an ideal place to conduct business because of an atmosphere that exudes such professional refinement. You hate to label Hillstone as a chain, but if it is, it’s certainly one of the classiest of the non-steakhouse variety.

As we arrive, the bar is buzzing without as much as even one available seat. Our party of three grabs a few pours of “Forefront Pinot Noir” ($12) and casually chats standing behind the fracas but our table is soon ready and we are walked throughout the expansive space. We pass by table after table of tasty looking entrees as well as a full sushi bar, a surprising touch. Unfolding our cloth napkins, our party of three sits down and sets our eyes on the menu, made up of American inspired staples – salads, burgers and sandwiches, and entrees. The “Grilled Artichokes” are brought out first, plated by a side of house made remoulade. Sliced bulbously into three, each stripped leaf is delicious when dipped into the creamy accompanying sauce, but is probably overpriced for what it is at $15.

Similarly, the main courses meanwhile were comparable in that some of the fare was particularly tasty assuming that diners are comfortable at these price points. The “Miso Glazed Atlantic Cod” at $32 was too sweet for our taste. The finely cooked fish was bathed in its sticky sauce whose flavors fortunately, the side of scrumptious seasoned rice and bok choy were able to equalize. Meanwhile, the “Hawaiian Rib-eye Steak” ($38) was not as syrupy, despite a pineapple ginger soy marinade. Served at a perfect medium rare with the appropriate char marks on both sides of the sizable cut, the steak was presented beautifully and complimented on the plate by a loaded baked potato. Fine for what it was, the ribeye was hardly the standard you’d expect from a top of the line steakhouse, but that said, it capably held its own here. Side orders of “Shoestring French Fries” ($7) and creamy “Cole Slaw” ($7) appropriately set the table for our favorite dish- the “Hillstone Burger” ($19). Hillstone’s fresh burgers are made of chuck steak ground in house each day and served on their house made egg buns. The medium rare burger meat was especially savory, topped with melted cheddar cheese and in a slice of Americana- pickles, lettuce, tomato, and diced raw onion. Opting for some health consciousness, we selected a “Kale Salad” decorated with creamy roasted peanut vinaigrette as our side, but the French fries were the standout here.

Dining out is all about managing expectations and if you’re looking for a decent place to dine in Flatiron- be it for tourists or for working meals during or after hours- you could certainly do a lot worse than Hillstone. It’s equipped with a classy ambiance and there’s an array of menu options likely to suit any diner’s palate. That said, for locals, Hillstone is perhaps best suited as a last resort rather than a destination. The food being served is far pricier than the finished product on the plate would suggest and that’s something that an aura of sophistication can’t even make up for.

Rundown of the Meal

Starters

Grilled Artichokes ($15)

Burgers & Sandwiches

Cheeseburger ($19)*

House Specialties

Miso Glazed Atlantic Cod ($32)

Hawaiian Rib-eye Steak ($38)

Market Sides

Shoestring French Fries ($7)*

Cole Slaw ($7)

*Meal Highlight

Mighty Quinn’s Barbeque
103 Second Avenue at 7th Street, East Village
718-677-3733
Getting There: 6 to Astor Place; F,V to Lower East Side – Second Avenue; N,R,W to 8th Street – NYU
http://www.mightyquinnsbbq.com

The absence of reservations here has been a noted issue at times. In fact our first visit was marred by an extended wait and a miscommunication with the hostess during our initial attempt. Not to be deterred, we returned for a late weekday lunch which was ideal despite only one table being available even at that time of day. As has become standard at most ‘cue joints, Mighty Quinn’s Barbeque mandates counter side ordering so that you can get a good look at what meats you’ll be tasting as you watch as they are sliced in front of you. The interior is mostly nondescript. You won’t find any knick-knacks up on the wall or much of anything at all in fact. You might even mistake the place for a newfangled craft beer bar of sorts. Down near the restrooms, piles and piles of wooden logs are the only bit of distinction inside of an otherwise bland decor. White walls, wooden tables and ceilings and that’s about it. But importantly, the design allows you to afford all of your attention where it belongs – to the ‘cue.

While the massive “Brontosaurus Rib” is by far the priciest menu item at $23, the remaining fare here offers fantastic values at less than $9 per single serving, and coupled with an additional small side, that should be more than enough to satisfy the meat eater inside of you. “Rib” aside, there are six other meats from which to choose including “Wings” and “Half Chicken,” “Smoked Sausage” and “Pulled Pork” to meet the needs of any ‘cue fan.

Mighty Quinn’s bread and butter however is with their “Brisket,” ($8.85) which they’ll tell you all about at the counter. And if you hesitate for even a moment, you’re making a poor decision. Shame on you.  Opting for the dish naked (without a sandwich), we are served 7 slices of the mouthwatering meat- a rainbow of colors from the black marbled exterior to the pink outer layer to the tender brown middle- surrounded by pickled red onions and creamy slaw. If you’re particularly fortunate (or if you ask), you’ll have the opportunity to taste the ends which are incredibly rich, smoked and fatty. And they’re so delicious, you’ll need to sit down to enjoy them. Seasoned with a thick sea salt and a peppery rub, each morsel is outstanding on its own, but the table side bottle of their slow smoked barbeque provides some much welcomed tang to the already savory meat. Our only bone (pardon the pun) of contention is that we could have used a few more slices to consume.

The bulbous “Spare Ribs” ($8.50) meanwhile more than made up for any brief mourning at our now empty brisket plate. The half rack was piled high with thick meaty hunks of red and pink pork with an absolutely delicious rub that was so mouthwatering that sauce proved unnecessary. Generously portioned, the tender meat easily stripped off of the bone, pairing brilliantly with the side of vinegar slaw and pickled cucumbers. Moreover, the side order of “Burnt End Baked Beans” ($3, small) which were creamy and sweet, proved to be an excellent compliment to the array of meats that briefly sat in front of us. That is, until we reduced them to just a plate of empty bones.

Ranking What Matters:

Value: Topping out at under $9 for six of the seven meaty offerings, guests can easily enjoy a full meal with a side and a beer for under $20. And if you’ve been to rival joints, that’s an uncommon occurrence

Size: Portion size varies a bit for single servings- the “Spare Ribs” were more than sufficient but we longed for extra slices of “Brisket.” But with a side dish, the pairing should be enough to satiate you.

Taste: What else is there to say about the rich marbled fatty burnt end of their brisket? The trimmed pieces were unbelievably decadent and similar to the succulent pork ribs were tasty enough even without the restaurant’s tangy barbeque sauce on the table.

Overall: There’s a growing competition in the New York City barbeque scene from newcomers like BrisketTown to staples like Fette Sau, Dinosaur Bar-B-Que and Hill Country. But truthfully no newly opened ‘cue joint has made more of a splash than Mighty Quinn’s, routinely named in any conversation of the City’s finest. It’s an overused cliche, but the brisket does in fact melt in your mouth. And if you can secure a table during their off-peak hours or without waiting for too long, prepare yourself for one of Manhattan’s best barbeque spots. Just don’t forget your wetnap. Worth the hype? An undeniable yes and a nod to perhaps the best barbeque in our fare city.

- Jane Van Arsdale

Other ‘Worth the Hype’ Pieces:

The “Luger Burger” at Peter Luger Steak House: Worth the Hype

Paul’s ‘Da Burger Joint: Worth the Hype

The “Ramen” at Ivan Ramen Slurp Shop: Worth the Hype 

The “Ramen Burger” at Ramen.co: Worth the Hype

The “Classic Hot Dog” at Nathan’s Famous: Worth the Hype

In an area of town that’s fairly bar and diner heavy, Penelope brings the comforts of a quaint neighborhood eatery into an otherwise indistinguishable Murray Hill. Evidenced by the sometimes hour long wait times, the restaurant is perhaps best known for its highly acclaimed brunch, which eschews the bottomless heavy drinker style in favor of a warm, family style atmosphere, one that delivers a bed and breakfast style of fare inside of a perpetually busy cafe. A dining experience at Penelope is a charming transformation from city life to the countryside, one freshly brewed cup of coffee at a time.

The weekend brunch is Penelope’s proverbial bread and butter, with a collection of guests normally huddled around the cafe’s front doors from breakfast time through the early afternoon in anticipation of a table. Inside a small landing leads diners up a few steps into the main dining area, outlined by the place’s small bakery and bar setup. The wooden breakfast tables are in close proximity to one another, but that’s hardly a detriment as the food comes out fairly quickly. In the meantime, freshly squeezed orange juice and perfectly fine cups of Penelope’s coffee set the stage for an old-fashioned, home cooked meal, built on seasonal ingredients and generous portions.

The biggest obstacle that you’ll find inside of Penelope is settling on what to order- and even then, you’ll stare at your guest’s order and wish for a do over in selecting your own meal. On weekends, the brunch menu runs until 4pm, offering breakfast staples like French toast and homemade granola and vegetarian items for pickier eaters like the  “FBLT,” which pairs fakin’ bacon with avocado, lettuce and tomato atop a toasted sourdough bun. Any repeat visitor to Penelope will recommend the “Penny Egg Sandwich” ($9), which we’ve enjoyed countless times. Adding a dollop of garlicky pesto onto a warm fluffy English muffin, the bulbous sandwich combines scrambled eggs beneath a slice of creamy American cheese, all of which deliciously compliments each other nicely. And for an extra $1, guests are welcomed to add a breakfast meat onto the sandwich, which candidly, it does just fine on its own.

The ‘Prix-fixe’ portion of the menu offers up a brunch entree with an alcoholic pick-me-up and juice or coffee for just $16.50. With an ‘Apple Cider Mimosa’ in hand, we scooped up the “Salmon Wrapped Poached Eggs.” Served with a bed of green salad, the dish revealed two swollen eggs wrapped in a delightfully smoked orange fish on rustic black bread. The white colored ‘green goddess’ drizzle draped the entirety of the plate, yielding a flavor similar to rich tartar sauce. And when combined with the runny egg, proved a delectable combination for the remaining toast crusts that sat in front of us.

After a few more refills of coffee, we settled up and were back out and on our way home, passing by the next group of guests waiting outside for their tables to be ready and to experience a touch of the modern countryside despite being in the thralls of the Manhattan hustle. Penelope is hardly just another sought after spot for breakfast. It’s inviting and warm inside of a uniquely comfortable setting. And as far away as you might live today from where you grew up, something about it just feels like home.

Rundown of the Meal

Brunch

Salmon Wrapped Poached Eggs ($16.50)

Breakfast

Penny Egg Sandwich ($9)*

*Meal Highlight