There are few things in life more satisfying than the first bite of something truly delicious. There are few things in life more comforting than when that first bite is full of cheese. Be it cow, sheep, goat, or a mixture of all three, cheese comes in many shapes and sizes, tastes and textures, and makes an appearance on more than its fair share of menus in some form.
National Grilled Cheese Day is Friday, April 12th, and to celebrate, here are our Top Five best cheese picks from around the city.
Marlow & Sons (81 Broadway, Williamsburg, Brooklyn)
Whether elbows, shells, rotini, cavatappi, or peace signs—cover any style of pasta with some type of cheesy deliciousness and we won’t say no. Mac’ n cheese is the ultimate, classic American comfort food that has undergone some of the biggest variations and transformations possible. Whether made with gorgonzola and lobster or simply from the blue box, grab a big bowl and get ready to dig in to a winter staple for everyone’s cabinet or check out a few favorite cheesy spots below.
So you were looking for a large plate of mac’ n cheese Queens-style? Look no further, The Queens Kickshaw makes the classic dish with gruyere, cheddar, smoked mozzarella, French green beans, caramelized onions and topped off with tomato cream. It is nicely paired with their Foggy Ridge Serious Cider, giving a new spin on the classic cheddar cheese and sliced apples snack.
So, you've made it through another year and you've made it through an exciting evening of New Years celebrations. It's the perfect time to start the New Year off with a nourishing meal and perhaps a celebratory toast. Here are some brunch spots that you don't want to miss!
Friend of a Farmer in the Gramercy area of Manhattan is a great place for brunch and comfort food. The ambiance is welcoming and cozy with a glittering Christmas tree which almost makes you feel like you're somewhere out of the city. This is a great spot if you just want to relax with your friends or family and enjoy a delicious cup of coffee, hearty breakfast and attentive service. Try their fluffy pumpkin pancakes for brunch and homemade chicken pot pie if you decide on lunch! The cornbread they put on every table is a delicious touch.
www.friendofafarmerny.com 77 Irving Place, New York, NY
Anyone who lives in Miami knows that we are no strangers to the night owl lifestyle. In a city where one meets for dinner with friends at 9:00 PM (which really means 10:00 PM) and people don’t arrive at the club until well after midnight, it should come as no surprise that Miami has its fair share of late night eats. Nothing works up an appetite quite like a night of drinking and dancing, and with Miami’s unmistakable Latin flavor, post-party dining options include a wide array of not only typical pizza and burger joints, but favorites from throughout Latin America.
Looking for a reprieve from the cold and blustery city streets? Nix the haul of traveling to ski resorts and cozy up right in your hometown hub. With spectacular views, amazing decor, and warming drinks, we've rounded up the best winter-friendly rooftops in New York City to keep your winter spirits high and your bellies full.
Haven Rooftop: Recently, the Haven Rooftop turned into a Ski Chalet for the winter. Scurrying through the crowds are sexy ski bunnies, better known as waitresses, serving the perfect cocktails to battle the winter doldrums. Warm up with the Ultimate Irish Coffee, a Candy Cane Martini, and Yule Mule n Shot Ski's with Russian Standard Platinum. To top it off, the place actually looks like a legit ski lodge, complete with snow, Christmas trees, and even skis.
Thai Market: Step into the extraordinary Thai Market and you’ll easily feel as if you’ve been transported to the streets of Bangkok. Have a seat in the golden “Thai Temple,” where you’ll be surrounded by actual imagery taken on the streets of Thailand and upside-down umbrellas that adorn the tin ceiling. The market serves up an eclectic mix of foods, but one of the best is the Tom Yum Goong soup (a mix of lemongrass, tamarind tendril, shrimp, and mushroom).
Thai Market is located at 960 Amsterdam Avenue, New York www.thaimarketny.com
Kuma Inn is located at 113 Ludlow Street, 2nd floor, New York www.kumainn.com
Pad Thai Noodle Lounge is located at 114 8th Avenue and 16th Street, New York www.padthainoodlelounge.com
Rain Thai is located at 220 East 53rd Street, New York www.rainthainyc.comt
With the hectic holiday season here, your decision on where to dine is really the last thing Joonbug wants you to fret about. Looking for the perfect "date-spot" to share an intimate evening with great food or looking to enjoy nourishing "comfort food?" Perhaps, you're dining with children? We breakdown our five faves in the handy holiday dining list! "Tis the season!
Top Date Dining: Gentlemen, how many times have you prepared for a date with that special someone and are panicked on where to go? Look no further than Michael Anthony's along the Hudson in Jersey City New Jersey. With glittering views of mid-town and downtown Manhattan along a pristine marina - your date will certainly be impressed. The food served here is just as pleasant as the view. The filet mignon bruschetta was original and delicious. We also suggest the fresh greens salad, with sliced veal, plum tomatoes, red onion, baby mozzarella in a tasty balsamic vinaigrette. The lobster ravioli was decadently delicious. Their famous "Winter Mojito" (spiced rum, mint, limes, drunken cranberry's, club soda & simple syrup) will have you feeling all warm and fuzzy inside.
www.michaelanthonynj.com 502 Washington Boulevard, Jersey City, NJ
For serious eaters both here and especially in Japan, ramen noodles are a religion. Here are our favorite spots that have gained some serious slurping traction.
Ippudo
When temps dip, we instantly crave noodles. And, when noodles pop into our heads, we almost always turn to Ippudo. The hip, East Village noodle joint serves up serious ramen like the Akamaru ramen, a bowl of noodles with red miso, black garlic oil, and ivory slices of Berkshire-pork. Ippudo always has a line, but it’s also always worth the wait.
Ippudo is located at 65 4th Avenue New York www.ippudony.com.