Caracas Arepa Bar

Actor/comic Donald Glover just recommended this on his Tumblr. I remember walking by it! Not sure which one he means; the one we saw was probably the East Village one. (Just checked the link; he meant the East Village one, too.)

Caracas Arepa Bar

This is one of my favorite places in NYC. Perfect place to bring girls. Somehow classy and drunk food simultaneously.

Cafe Luxembourg

After Salumeria Rosi, it's great to pop down to what I think is my favorite restaurant in all the city, Cafe Luxembourg (200 W. 70th at Broadway.) Maybe because it's on a side street in a wide and bustling part of town, maybe it's the tile and dim lighting that's not at all dingy, or because it's casual yet elegant. Or perhaps it's the food. No matter what you order, it seems like the perfect combination for that point in time.


Lori had romaine salad and corn ravioli with truffle: crisp, tart, sweet, and rich. I had English pea soup with orange yogurt, and steak tartare. Cool, creamy, tart, luscious.

Pastis and a bit of West Village

Last full day, and warmest so far. Walked for an early lunch to Pastis in the Meatpacking District. Lovely spot to cool down, have good coffee, and bistro food. We got there at 11:45, right between breakfast and lunch service; good timing since rather empty. Everything light and lovely. (Arugula with parmesan and lemon, Mediterranean Tuna Sandwich, and Sandwich Crudite with Cucumber, Fennel, Tomato and Goat Cheese on ciabatta.)





Decided to try to wander back through a bit of the West Village, but as always got a tad turned around, since all roads seem to merge, and the streets and avenues are similar numbers which adds to the confusion. Saw Gay Street, anyway, and easy cab up Sixth Ave. Bit of shopping along our block of W. 29th, so many bargains: purses, hats, and pashminas! Next time remember this place: one dozen (minimum) for $36!

Chelsea and Brooklyn!

Friday decided to stroll over to Chelsea and check out Joe's recommendation: Casa Havana--"A Cuban Diner," Small place, 190 8th between 10th and 11th. Beautiful menu, and the food!



Cubano Sandwich, Mofongo de Pollo (Mashed Banana with Chicken), Yuca Frita (Yuca Fries).

Strolled over to the Chelsea Market, which we saw last time. Lots of pretty stores, mostly ultra-gourmet types.

Made plans with Bing and Noel to go to BROOKLYN! My first time ever. I guess I felt too insecure to go there last year, but it was easy. Walked to Union Square, took the L to Lorimer, then the G to Classon and walk two blocks...about 45 minutes.


Umi Nom, 433 deKalb, right near Pratt School in Bed Stuy.
'

Asian Market Greens with garlic; Pancit Canton: egg noodle, sausage, chicken, soy, fish sauce. Pork belly adobo; Bahay kubo fried rice: chicken, sausage, shrimp, egg, soy, garlic. Fruit soup with lychee, vanilla and ginger syrup. Flavors so distinct and delicious!

Easy subway then stroll home. Lovely night.

Porchetta!

Porchetta (110 E. 7th, between 1st and Avenue A) is a tiny place with only one specialty: this awesome rolled pork with herbs and tons of crispy skin. Oh, and the fried potatoes with blackened "ends"--that is, ends of pork. We got it to take out. The label says juicy and lean. It is juicy, but I wouldn't exactly say lean. Scrumptious.

Momofuku Noodle Bar--At Last!

Momofuku is the one (well, there are several, but never mind that) that everyone recommended but few had actually gone to. So this year, nothing daunted, we decided to do it. Noodle Bar is a beautiful spare little place on 1st between 10th and 11th. We got there right at noon and it was almost empty; by 12:45 it was quite full.


Yuzu Palmer & Limeade. Arctic char w/umeboshi, thai basil, lychee, jalapeno, cucumber. Momofuku Noodlebar smoked chicken wings. Scallion Noodles with menma, pickled shiitake, cucumber, and green-onion ginger sauce.