One thing about NYC that always stays the same: when it comes to restaurants, it's out with the old and in with the new and they don't waste time! Check out some of the exciting new restaurant openings, as well as some big changes for places that have already won our hearts!
Benares Downtown: Famed Indian spot in Midtown is catering to the crowds and opening up a second shop in Tribeca. Although that devilish Sandy delayed construction, the new restaurant was able to open up on November 21st. The new Benares location will feature a bar with specialty cocktails, as well as an elegant dining room overseen by Executive Chef Peter Beck.
It might not be the same for everyone, but in my experience, Thanksgiving is that very special holiday when some of the worst cooks consider themselves to be award-winning chefs. I’m sure I’m not the only one who has been a victim of such atrocities as a coleslaw-ambrosia salad combination, an unnaturally colored cool whip and graham cracker crumb dessert, or a casserole so replete with cream, butter, cheese, and bacon that it constitutes one’s allowable fat intake for the entire year. Trying to dissuade these mad scientists turned amateur cooks from contributing to your Thanksgiving feast can quickly become an ugly scene with all the crying, fighting, and emotion of a 90’s talk show. Trying to trick yourself into making your relative’s multicolored congealed salad into a suitable side dish for your chestnut and morel stuffed bird has proven futile...and quite ridiculous. The only solution to make everyone happy is to leave the cooking to the professionals this Thanksgiving and going to a restaurant. If your ideal Turkey Day is one in which there are no dishes to wash and you’re not stuck with a week’s worth of leftovers, then you should definitely check out Joonbug’s recommendations for restaurants offering some of the best Thanksgiving dinners in South Florida this year.
If you happen to be heading to London to catch a glimpse of the 2012 Olympics, you'll surely be looking for tasty local bites. And like all worthy travelers, it's best to be well equipped with the knowledge of where to eat. Whether you're on a budget or looking to drop the big bucks, we have several recommendations in all price ranges. Watching all those athletes can really work up an appetite, afterall! Luckily for you, we've done the research so you don't have to. Check out these three hot new restaurants in between the games!
Duck & Waffle: This place opens in August right in time for the Olympics. From the creators of Sushisamba, this new restaurant will amazingly be open 24/7, just to make sure all you travelers pack in the fun every minute of your trip. Chef Daniel Doherty offers an array of dishes designer for sampling and sharing that emphasizes a modern take on European cuisine. The menu items include rustic, local, seasonal, and sustainable (say that 5 times fast) ingredients. So stop by between the discus throw and javelin to have a great meal.
Salumeria 104
New to Midtown Miami is Salumeria 104 an Italian deli and restaurant crossover. This eatery offers an assortment of Italian charcuterie foods such as cheeses, salamis and other Italian cold cuts. Salumeria 104 is inviting and casual, the perfect place for a snack and drink. Besides deli items, Salumeria 104 serves antipasti/salads, fresh pasta dishes, and regional Italian dishes along with an affordable array of wines.
3451 NE First Avenue #104, Miami
According to The Lodown, after Monday night's CB3 liquor licensing meeting, the committee has approved five new restaurants. Forsyth Street's Grotto team was given the go ahead with their 303 Broome Street restaurant and lounge venture, "La Gente." The lounge aspect will be located below street level with DJs spinning no more than three times a month. The team also agreed to soundproof the venue in order to avoid noise violations and complaints.
161 East Houston, formerly Spanish tapas "Oliva" is becoming a Mediterranean restaurant. Unfortunately, the CB3 comittee denied the restaurant a request to extend their hours of operation. Due to the denied request and a noise complaint filed by a neighbor this new spot will only be a day eatery.
With so many restaurants opening everyday in NYC, I've decided to regularly share the ones I venture to and can recommend to you, my fellow New Yorkers. Last Monday I went to this great food bloggers event at a new Italian restaurant, Ristorante Aglio in Tribeca. Some great people from Foodspotting NYC were there, amongst many other food blogs and websites. Although I'm technically not a food blogger, I am a blogger with an obsession with food and a hungry tapeworm. People who know me can vouch I eat more than a football linebacker. Before I finish with one meal, I'm already thinking about my next. I've eaten at some of the best restaurants in the world so you can trust my taste buds.
October 1st is World Vegetarian Day according to the North American Vegetarian Society, which has celebrated it every year since 1977.
Try some meatless meals this October to participate in Vegetarian Awareness Month. You might not miss meat as much as you'd think.
Here to help is a list of some highly-recommended Veggie-friendly eateries around Miami:
SpecialTEA Lounge | 10766 SW 24 St., Miami, FL 33165 | (305) 554-8327
This place has a chill, college-y vibe, no doubt because of it's proximity to FIU. They have fun board games to play and any meat on the menu can be substituted with a textured vegetarian protein. Try the Coco Curry.
It seems "The City That Never Sleeps" finally got a few hours of rest last night but awoke today with a sudden urge to brunch. In the wake of Hurricane (Tropical Storm) Irene, we have a list of all New York City venues that re-opened their doors today, currently taking orders for brunch, lunch, and dinner.
13th Step - 149 2nd Avenue, New York, NY 10003
5 Napkin Burger - 630 9th Avenue, New York, NY 10036 *Opening by 5pm
5 Napkin Burger - 2315 Broadway, New York, NY 10024 *Opening by 5pm
Blue Fin - 1567 Broadway, New York, NY 10036
East Village Tavern - 158 Avenue C, New York, NY 10009 *Opening at 5pm
