Category Archives: NYC

Restaurant review: Morton’s

Posted on June 23, 2012 | 2 comments

Last week while I was in New York City I had dinner with my team at Morton’s Steakhouse on 5th Avenue in Midtown Manhattan. The service at this well respected national chain which claims to be the best steakhouse anywhere was flawless.  However, I find the Morton’s chain stuffy and the marketer in me thinks they seriously need a re-branding.

I started my meal with the bibb lettuce salad ($11.50), knowing I’d likely overeat since portions at steakhouses always seem large.  The salad is shown below along with the two sides we ordered to share, sauteed brussels sprouts and creamed spinach (each $13). I preferred the tender and flavorful brussels sprouts cooked with minced shallots, butter, salt and pepper.

Morton's Steak House

Since I prefer seafood, I ordered the honey-chili glazed salmon fillet which came on a bed of beans, corn and spinach ($38).  If the fillet looks large, it is not your imagination.  Despite the size, it was cooked perfectly.  Its been my experience that some of the best seafood dinners have been at steakhouses and this dinner did not disappoint.

Morton's SalmonAlthough I was full, the team went ahead and ordered two desserts to share.  I have to admit I tried not to be tempted, but I relented and while both desserts were very good, Morton’s Hot Chocolate Cake made with Godiva chocolate was beyond decadent. Once the fork had cut into the cake, melted chocolate oozed slowly over the plate.  Morton's RestaurantWith nearly 70 locations worldwide and a Morton’s in every major US city, there is likely a restaurant near you.  The Midtown location is at 551 5th Avenue – reservations are strongly recommended.
Morton's the Steakhouse on Urbanspoon

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Fleet week in NYC: May 23 – 30th

Posted on May 23, 2012 | Leave a comment

New York CityToday is the start of Fleet Week in NYC.  This is an annual tradition which started back in the 1980s that brings thousands from the US Navy, US Marine Corps and US Coast Guard to NYC for one week.

Once the ships which carry these men and women dock, NYC will be overrun by crew members. With Don’t Ask Don’t Tell repealed I suspect even more gay service men and women will be flooding the gay bars in Hell’s Kitchen, The Village and elsewhere. Would be a good week to visit NYC.

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Restaurant review: Bryant Park Grill

Posted on December 14, 2011 | Leave a comment

There are many reasons to try a restaurant and while the food and service is paramount, sometimes location trumps all.  My dinner in New York City this week at the Bryant Park Grill is one such restaurant where many go predominantly because of the surroundings.  Outside the restaurant are cute shops, beautiful decorations, a very nice (and popular) ice rink as well as the dramatic backdrop of the New York City library.While the food we ordered and the service we received was good.  It was not particularly memorable and the menu in truth is fairly pedestrian; probably trying to appeal to the masses.  However, that did not detract from the overall dining experience and it is a place I would enjoy visiting again.

The Bryant Park Grill menu is divided into several sections including appetizers which range from $10-$17; main dishes that range from $18-$40; and a list of side dishes all $7.  I did not look at the dessert menu but to see those options or to look more closely at the restaurant menu you can link here.My dinner (depicted in the photo above) comprised of sharing the ‘artisanal cheese sampler’ ($16.75) which included a decent blue cheese, cheddar and Crottin Bijou (a soft creamy cheese) garnished with candied walnuts an apple compote and marmalade.  My main plate was steamed Atlantic salmon filet ($27.95).  The potato herb cake atop the salmon added more than the Pinot Noir butter sauce, which I would have thought more flavorful.

Dinner here will pinch you in the wallet and lunch can be a more affordable option if you would like to try The Bryant Park Grill.  The food and service is adequate but can only command the prices it does because of where the restaurant is situated.

Bryant Park Grill in Bryant Park NYC – Reservations are highly recommended Tel: (212) 840-6500

Bryant Park Grill on Urbanspoon

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Restaurant review: La Barrique (NYC)

Posted on October 11, 2011 | Leave a comment

Last week during my visit to NYC, I was able to have a quiet dinner at La Barrique – a French wine bar in Midtown on 39th Street between 5th & 6th Ave. The place has a cozy vibe and when you walk in from the street the first thing you will notice is a long rustic bar that seems to attract a boisterous after work crowd.  The back of the restaurant is a bit less loud and depending on where you are seated provides an excellent view to people watch.

The French menu is divided into four parts; appetizers ($7-$13), main dishes ($20-$32), mussels and french fries (all $17) and burgers ($12-$14).  The wine menu is also very accessible with glasses $9 and bottles $32.

I started with a surprisingly good salad ($8.95) that came with clumps of goat cheese the size of quarters nestled between citrus, walnuts and greens.  It was brought to the table right after being served my wine and warmed bread.  The trio of salad, wine and bread really proved to be very satisfying.

While I enjoyed my main dish of fettucine with crab ($16.95) , I think I chose poorly and should have opted for one of the half dozen options for mussels and fries.  The “moules frites” looked delicious, were nearly universally ordered.

Dinner at La Barrique was very reasonable and I’m glad I came to this tiny wine bar.  My meal which included house greens, a large pasta plate and a glass of a Cotes du Rhone was $38.00 without tip. That’s tough to beat in a place like NYC.

La Barrique is located at 38 West 39th Street (212) 997-3910

La Barrique on Urbanspoon

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Restaurant Review: Remi (NYC)

Posted on October 5, 2011 | 1 comment

On occasion work brings me to New York City and earlier today I had the difficult task of identifying appropriate wines for an important program that my firm would be hosting.   Sometimes, I’ll admit, I’m a very lucky man.

To make certain I didn’t fall over we combined the tasting with a lunch.  The place we went to is an Italian restaurant called Remi. The lunch menu is divided into anti pasti ranging from $11.50 – $17.50;  insalate ranging from $9.50-$12.50; main plates (primi piatta) of homemade pasta ranging from $18.00-$24.50; and signature plates & entrees ranging from $19.50-$39.50.

The place attracts a large lunch crowd of business men and women, and features a nice patio.  The main room which is depicted above is nicely designed and comfortable.

Salmone dell’Atlantico – $29.50 (for lunch)

For lunch I selected the Atlantic Salmon.  Generally I prefer my salmon slightly rare and with as little on it as possible, but Remi’s plate came with potato crust, which added texture that complimented the fish.  Under the fillet was a sweet bell pepper sauce that did little for my taste buds, but was visually appealing and a side of sauteed garlic spinach that was so unbelieveably good I inhaled it all: caveat emptor, if you’re not a fan of garlic stay away from the spinach.

I’m not sure if I would venture to Remi’s on my own since I rarely choose to spend time in midtown when visiting NYC, but based on my experience here I would suggest it for a business lunch or dinner.

Remi is located at 145 West 53rd Street (between 6th and 7th Ave)    Reservations are strongly recommended (212) 581-4242
Remi on Urbanspoon

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Restaurant Review: Jules Bistro (NYC)

Posted on August 25, 2011 | 1 comment

Earlier this week I had dinner in the East Village at a tiny French bistro. The place sports a postage stamp sized patio and has live jazz every night. We were seated inside the restaurant looking out at the patio and the street beyond which afforded us one of the better views. I liked the place the minute I walked in. There was a hum of conversation, soft jazz filling the background and incredible smells from the food being cooked and served.

The host also turned out to be our waiter. His thick French accent only served to enhance the mood and he quickly talked us into ordering a bottle of beaujolais (’06 Morgon V.V. Jean Paul Thevenet Gamay – $72). Although the restaurant provides a 3-course prix-fixe menu for $24.95 Monday – Thursday, we opted to order from the main menu. Dinner including 2 starters, 2 main dishes and a shared dessert (no drink or tip included) will cost approximately $75. First plates range from $7-$18 and main courses range from $16-$25.

I started with a tomato, basil and mozzarella salad. Along with the french bread at the table this provided an excellent beginning. The tomatoes and basil were extremely fresh and the cheese was as rich and creamy as it should be. Soon after our first plates were cleared, my main plate was brought over to our table. I ordered grilled hangar steak with shallot sauce, mushroom risotto, parmesan and truffle oil. The steak was cooked to perfection (pinkish-red in the middle) and smothered in the rich shallot sauce. The risotto with cheese and truffle oil complemented the steak, and I found myself going back and forth between the meat then the risotto.

The staff was both attentive and helpful without interfering with the dining experience so my friend and I could enjoy ourselves. Pet peeves of mine such as clearing our table before everyone was finished were avoided further impressing me. If asked, I would recommend the restaurant and happily return.

tomato, basil and mozzarella salad – $8.50
hangar steak w/ shallot sauce
and mushroom risotto, w/ parmesan and truffle oil – $18.00
Jules Bistro is at 65 St. Mark’s Place (212) 477-5560
Reservations: recommended

Jules on Urbanspoon

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NYC Underwear Run

Posted on August 11, 2011 | Leave a comment

Fellow blogger over at DanNation included a write-up about NYC’s 1.7 mile “Underwear Run”, which took place last week (August 5th) in Central Park. The run drew a bit more than 500 participants. You can read his posting, here and you can check out the YT video from this year’s event here.

However, I have to say it seems pretty lame that there were only 500 runners. C’mon NYC, where is your sense of adventure? Boston’s annual Santa Speedo Run in December (which is capped at 500) sells out in minutes.

An underwear run in Central Park in August actually sounds delightful. I’d even do the run if I lived in NYC. I hope next year a few more of you will check your modesty at the door and participate in what looks like a very fun run.

Here’s the video from the 2010 Boston Santa Speedo Run.


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Pictures from NYC

Posted on August 11, 2011 | 2 comments

Here are some random pictures from my trip to New York City last weekend. LinkI loved this vintage Leather Daddy photo. Its reminiscent of Tom of Finland don’t you think? I saw this in a leather shop down in the West Village.

This giant sculpture entitled “Echo” was created by Spanish sculpture, Jaume Plensa and is on display in the Madison Square Park on Madison Avenue and 23rd Street. The oversized sculpture is hard to miss and evoked strong reactions by everyone I saw while I was there.

I’m a man of refined taste and extremely cultured so of course I went to one of New York’s premiere museums…well actually I only went to the gift shop – I was pressed for time.

Hmm… you know you’re really pretty gay when you find yourself walking down a street in New York City, look up and think, “So that’s where all those designers go with Tim Gunn“.

I’ve always loved the Fuller Building which was first completed back in 1902. The building also referred to as the Flatiron Building is another example of the amazing architecture NYC offers.

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Hotel review: The Strand Hotel NYC

Posted on August 10, 2011 | 2 comments

The Strand Hotel has a trendy vibe, which only makes sense since its nestled in the heart of New York City’s Fashion District; located between 5th and 6th Ave on 37th Street.

The tiny lobby exudes a sense of style that carries through to the hotel room and it’s furnishings. Although the rooms are tight, they are well appointed and suited my needs just fine.

Aside from the location, the thing I enjoyed the most about staying at The Strand NYC was its roof deck terrace and bar. (That’s me and my buddy Paul enjoying a cold beer on the roof deck bar.)

Drinks cost a small fortune, but when you factor in the amazing view and the beautiful weather which made it so pleasant to sit outside – I couldn’t get enough of the place.

I’ve included a picture of my tiny room and bathroom. You can click on the photo to enlarge. More pictures appear on my hotel review on TripAdvisor.com.

For more information about this hotel you can visit: www.thestrandnyc.com

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Finding a bit of heaven in Hell’s Kitchen

Posted on August 7, 2011 | 1 comment

I arrived in NYC on Friday with my buddy Paul for a fun weekend in the city. We took the Acela from Amtrak down to the city and arrived in plenty of time to enjoy Boxers, crazy happy hour festivities.

Bars are not allowed to have happy hour promotions in Massachusetts so true to form we drank more than intended and left pleasantly buzzed with plans to head out to Hell’s Kitchen after a quick pit stop back at the hotel to freshen up and a quick bite to eat.

We’d both been to Hell’s Kitchen but it had been several years (at least for me since my previous visit). One of the things I really like about the neighborhood is how easy it is to bar hop. We started by checking out Industry. It was one of the busier bars we visited and the music was great, but neither Paul nor I were feeling it so we walked across the street to Therapy. However, Therapy was fairly dead by comparison so we opted to head over to Ritz.

Entering Ritz would make just about anyone feel claustrophobic but of all the places, this had the most energy and the by far – the best people watching. We worked our way to the back room and danced up along the walls.

Paul and I spent most of the evening watching a young couple “get familiar” with each other, some A-List wannabes with killer bodies shake their groove thing and chatting with people to our left and right – there always seemed to be a constant ebb and flow that brought a new someone every 5-10 minutes.

There are plenty of other bars all close by and when visiting its so easy to bar hop its enough to make my head spin. What bars in HK do you like and why? Leave a comment to share because I’m hoping I can head back soon.

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