Artichoke Pizza and More in NYC

Jon and I decide to escape to NYC to relax, eat, drink, and visit family. Even though we are original New Yorkers, it had been ages. We don't want to spend a fortune on a typical tiny hotel room, so after much research on Trip Advisor and discussions with friends, we drive to the Hampton Inn in Soho (four hours from MD to NYC). It is located right near the Holland Tunnel and even has reasonably priced parking a few blocks away. The hotel is clean, modern, and easy walking distance to everything we need: Soho, Chelsea, Tribeca, the Village, and the subway. Long story short, we check in and enter an ordinary room. Next we go up to the 19th floor deck to check out the view and we happen to meet the hotel engineer, Brian. Before we know it, Brian is upgrading us (I did ask) to a 19th floor suite with our own balcony facing the Empire State Building and a shower the size of a small room with floor to ceiling windows and six amazing jets. Sipping wine before dinner out on the balcony with the city sparkling with lights was like a postcard!
Dinner: Peasant in Soho. Probably overrated. Beautiful brick pizza oven in the rear and definite NYC vibe throughout. Homemade ricotta cheese is served to begin the meal. This is a great touch. Sarde Al Forno (sardines, olive oil, and bread crumbs) is quite large, fresh, and interesting. Roasted quail is a special and my entree choice. It is tasty, but not unique.
The restaurant is loud, the menus are very difficult to read (even for my 24 year old niece), and the food is fine, but not a must considering all the Italian restaurants in NYC. An old favorite, Crispo at 240 West 14th Street, is probably the best Italian restaurant outside of Italy. However, we are trying to focus on Soho for the weekend.

Breakfast: Amelia's in Soho around the corner from the hotel. Perfect breakfast place with many types of omelets, Challah French toast and outside tables.

Mid-Day Walk and Snacks: Chelsea Market. If you are in NYC, you should come for snacks or lunch.  I share fresh shucked oysters with my nephew. Sweet, fresh, inexpensive, and delicious!

Lunch: Artichoke Basille's Pizza in Chelsea. However, first earn your calories by walking the High Line, an elevated and landscaped sanctuary in NYC.  I have a huge slice of what they are known for: artichoke pizza. It tastes crunchy, creamy, and cheesy. This slice is amazing.

Afternoon Drinks (early Happy Hour): Imperial No. Nine located in the Mondrian Hotel in Soho. We are surrounded by glass chandeliers, glass bottles displayed, fresh herbs, citrus filled bowls, exquisite ambiance, and wonderful service. A Mojito with the freshest mint I have ever tasted is a delight! Also, a Prosecco Cocktail is quite elegant and wonderful.

Second Dinner: LureFishbar in Soho. Hard restaurant to get into. Happening Place! Extremely fresh and beautifully plated fish. Salmon tartare is fabulous. Seared yellow fin tuna with soba noodles, Thai peanut sauce, mushrooms, and lotus root is tasty, but over salted and not really special. This restaurant is the loudest restaurant I have ever been to in my life. Just plan on screaming to anyone during your dinner.

Second Breakfast: Bagels and sides from the market near the hotel on our balcony. Perfect!

Third Dinner: Trattoria Bolo. If you happen to be in the Warren/Basking Ridge area in NJ, this is the place to go. Chopped Salad with organic romaine, radicchio, endive, Gorgonzola cheese, walnuts, cherry tomatoes, chamomile, infused figs, and Italian Herb Dressing is fresh and delicious. I can judge most Italian restaurants by the clams and linguine with white sauce. Sometimes it is too salty, or too sandy, or too plain. This dish with baby clams and roasted garlic is just right. The spices and liquid have me dipping the crusty bread over and over again.

Basically, you can't go too wrong in The City. We love eating and catching up with family, and we certainly will be back again soon.

The Beginning of Food Fun!

Although I have been sharing brief snippets (usually no more than 140 characters) on Facebook, I decided it was time to go full force and start a blog. For some odd reason, everyone loves hearing opinions about restaurants. I love eating (EVERYTHING!) and experiencing beautiful restaurants, so why not share my opinion? These blog updates will come occasionally (after all, it is not a job), but I promise to keep them brief and to the point. Here we go:

Rasika: The name just has me salivating:) - It is Restaurant Week in D.C., and this reservation was made ages ago. This is my second time to Rasika, and next time I will go to the bar, have one of their delicious martinis and eat endless portions of Palak Chaat which is crispy spinach, sweet yogurt, tamarind, and date chutney. Hearing the ingredients don't do it justice at all. It is beyond divine! Also, a standout worth having every time is the Tamarind Black Cod with star anise, black pepper, roasted chili, and upma. This is mouth-watering amazing! Of course, during Restaurant Week dessert is included, so why not indulge. The fabulous waiter (who was there for every explanation and need) brought us four desserts, instead of one for each of us (three women). He sure knew how to play us. Believe it or not, the winner is Mango and Black pepper Sorbet. It is hard to explain why this is so good, except it is like a mini July 4th in your mouth. First, you enjoy the beautiful mango (fireworks) and then the black pepper explodes. Wow! Everything is beautifully prepared and presented. I highly recommend Rasika to all lovers of food!