A short - but sweet - week in food

Dear readers,

Happy Friday!  I hope that, for your sake, this sloppy, wet weather subsides for the weekend.  After all, waiting for a solid rain-free week in NYC is like waiting for the perfect man:  It's just not going to happen...

Even though I've only been able to post about 1x/week (and that's already beyond lame) lately, I just wanted to warn you that next week will likely be radio silent:  I'm heading to Hawaii tomorrow!  However, one thing you can count on is my social media presence:  Expect a shit-ton of Instragram pictures, Tweets, and Facebook posts.      

Here's to a great weekend, wherever you are!  And, as the bouncer used to say as we entered our favorite dance club in Mexico, "get drunk - have fun - no trouble."  Cheers, y'all.

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On Tuesday night, I attended a media tasting at newish East Village French-Vegetarian, Table Verte.  Housed in a space that's smaller than my apartment, the atmosphere beckons an undeniabe charm and intimatacy. 

Although the restaurant is currently BYOB, they are working towards procuring a license.

While our entire meal was lovely, it was the first course, "grapefruit segments and melted leeks" that really stood out, both in flavor and unique concept.     

Grapefruit segments with melted leeks

Table Verte - Vegetarian-French cuisine - 127 E. 7th Street - NYC 10009

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One of my favorite annual events is the New Taste of the Upper West Side which, for me, marks summer's unofficial arrival or "kick off."  This year, I attended Best of the West, a tented soiree showcasing fourty of the Upper West Side's best.  Including one of my personal favorites, Chef Marc Murphy!

Chef Marc Murphy

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With all of the unsolicited dating advice I was pitched this week, I can't tell you how refreshing it was to receive both the "snail mail" Waiting for the Perfect Man card (further above in this post) - and this lil' number, below.  Thank you for the lighthearted laughs, Siva!  God knows I needed it this week...

And, on that note, my friends, I bid you adieu!  Wishing you and yours a safe, happy, healthy, and delicious weekend!

~~~

Until we eat again,

The Lunch Belle

Summer in the City

You know it's summer in NYC when...

• It's perfectly normal to see even less of your friends than usual, as weekends are reserved for beach jaunts. 
• You notice that passersby are smiling and making eye contact.  Sunshine and warm weather makes New Yorkers *very* happy.
• College interns report to work en masse.  They're eager, naive, and at least 10-15 pounds slimmer than everyone else.  Oh, and like projectile vomit, they're all over the place.
• You find yourself seeking out the city's best outdoor dining/drinking venues - iced coffee - fro-yo - nearby beaches for day-trips, etc.  Like it's your life's mission. 
• You gawk and cringe at the sight of violently-sunburnt gringos.  Will we they ever learn?
• The stench of urine/dog shit/trash/beer/puke is magnified.
• Like a train wreck, you simply cannot take your eyes off of the horrifying pair of cracked heels and gnarly toes that are sporting this season's hautest sandals.
• Your Facebook newsfeed is dotted with "bikini selfies."  #getoveryourself  
• Every Friday, the office environment feels like it does on Christmas Eve:  Overly jovial and sparsely populated.
• You can actually get a spot:
  • At your favorite Saturday exercise class.  
  • At the hottest new restaurant. 

• You cannot go to bed without taking another shower.  Or, at the very least, washing the filth off of your "flip flop feet."
• You can actually enjoy an early-morning stroll/jog/bike ride outdoors.
• At least three days/week, your afternoon snack is a cup of fro-yo from the truck parked near the office.
• The town bleeds "Nantucket Red" and Lilly "pink and green."

What screams "summer" to you? 

~~~

Until we eat again,

The Lunch Belle

The Weekly Eater: 5/20 - 5/27

My weekly musings in life, food & drink  (5/20 - 5/27)

Last week wasn't one of my favorites - it kicked off with me having to leave work early on Monday evening to take poor Lucy to the vet.  $300 and an upper respiratory infection later, we mosied back home.  Broke and exhausted.

...

The rest of the work week was rather uneventful, until I ran in to a dude that I used to date at a party.  After the initial 'Oh shit, you're here?' deer-in-headlights glance that we mutually exchanged, his first words to me were, "um, you have something on your shirt."  Thanks for pointing out the jiggly glop of cheese dip that was slowly rolling down my boob, dude.  This was quickly followed by an unprovoked, "...ya, I'm meeting the girl I'm dating here."  Got it, bro.  10-4!

...

While most people got the hell out of town, I stayed in the Big Apple over Memorial Day weekend.  After all, I desperately needed to save a few bucks, catch up on sleep and my DVR'd reality TV, and attempt some much needed 'spring cleaning.' 

I was pleased to learn that, after months and months and months of construction, Red Mango had finally opened (in the location closest to my apartment)!  And, believe you me, I went yogurt-crazy all motha'fcukin' weekend.    

Source: Red Mango dot comBesides yogurt inhalation, I enjoyed a handful of great meals:  1)  I had a delightful post-SoulCycle lunch at Sarabeth's Tribeca location.  In fact, I am still dreaming about their Seafood Cobb Salad, chock-full of Maine lobster, fresh crab meat, shrimp, avocado, crumbled bacon, chopped hard-boiled eggs, tomatoes, red onion, and blue cheese.  2)  For dinner that night, I made perfectly-seared scallops and sauteed kale with garlic.  It was dynamite, if I do say so myself.  3)  My friend, Paul, and I made the mistake of meeting for drinks at The Jimmy at The James Hotel.  As if waiting in a lame line for elevator access - surrounded by douche bags - wasn't bad enough, the thumping Euro-techno music on the rooftop was even worse.  We made a quick pivot and got the hell out of there.  Side note:  A coworker went to this bar on a weeknight and said that it was hardly 'techno' or 'douchey.'  I trust his opinion and will return one night after work.  Well, actually, we just went to the ground floor and drank at Garden at David Burke, which was quite tranquil and lovely.  For dinner, we walked to Florencia 13, where I introduced Paul to my favorite Mexican joint in town.  4)  For brunch on Monday, Jing and I went to Markt for alfresco salads with our doggies, Lucy and Pomme.  Although the chilled 1/2 lobster could have been more fresh, the avocado terrine that it sat atop was fantastic.  Post-brunch, we met some friends in Central Park for a Memorial Day get-together.  When Lucy and I returned home, I made chicken enchiladas from the dried poblano chiles that a coworker had gifted me earlier in the week.

From my kitchen: Seared scallops, sauteed kale with garlicMarkt Restaurant: Salade De HomardLucy & Pomme had a blast playing in Central Park!From my kitchen: Homemade enchiladas

~~~

Until we eat again,

The Lunch Belle

The Weekly Eater: 5/12 - 5/19

My weekly musings in life, food & drink  (5/12 - 5/19)

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For the first time since I was 17, I got to spend Mother's Day with my mom.  And my dad.  Aboard a Celebrity Cruise ship!  The only thing missing was my little sister (she's the cute lil' blondie in the picture, below)...

Mi familiaThat's right.  I was invited to a Mother's Day brunch aboard the Celebrity Summit, which was conveniently docked in Bayonne, NJ (located near Newark Airport) until its 5pm departure to Bermuda.

Once aboard, we were taken on a very detailed tour of the ship...

This is the iLounge, complete with Apple computers. A variety of lovely staterooms, some with outdoor space complete with a jacuzzi!In many of the staterooms, guests are welcomed with a bottle (or two) of champagne...Gorgeous common areasDining options galoreAfter the tour of the ship, we enjoyed a fantastic 3-course brunch in the Summit's main dining room.  With endless pours of red and white wine...

Cream of corn soup dusted with green onionsPerfectly-cooked lamb chops atop seasoned jus, steamed vegetables, smashed potatoesIncredibly decadent chocolate-caramel cake sealed with chocolate ganacheAfter brunch, we were led off of the ship.  And, trust me, it took everything in me not to hide in a random corner/under a bed/in a closet/under a pile of towels; I wanted to stay onboard!  Seriously, though, having spent a positively glorious, memorable Mother's Day aboard a cruise ship made me realize that I'm a bit overdue for a relaxing vacation, myself!  Bermuda, anyone?

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On Monday, I took the day off of work to play tour guide and spend quality time with my parents. 

Because I procured tickets to the 9/11 Memorial (*If you want to check out the Memorial, you must snag tickets in advance.  While they're free, certain time slots are harder to come by.  Secure yours early!*) a few weeks in advance, I was able to score a coveted 10:30am time slot.  

After weaving through lines and security screenings, we finally made our way in to the Memorial.   

"...The 9/11 Memorial features two enormous waterfalls and reflecting pools, each about an acre in size, set within the footprints of the original twin towers. The Memorial Plaza is one of the most eco-friendly plazas ever constructed. More than 400 trees are planned for the plaza, surrounding the Memorial's two massive reflecting pools. Its design conveys a spirit of hope and renewal, and creates a contemplative space separate from the usual sights and sounds of a bustling metropolis." Source: http://www.911memorial.org/design-overview.

After a reflective and somber - yet hopeful - visit to the Memorial, we headed to Soho to grab some pizza at Lombardi's.   After all, no trip to NYC is complete without pizza!

Lombardi's: Mushrooms & Italian sausage

Lombardi's Pizza - 32 Spring Street - NYC 10012

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Dad mentioned that he was craving Chinese.  So, for the final dinner of their visit, we went to Cafe China, my favorite Chinese in Manhattan.  This was against Mom's wishes, of course, as the closest thing she's had to "authentic" Chinese food is from the Panda Express kiosk in our local shopping mall.  Thus, her opinion of the cuisine had been unjustly skewed by gloppy, fluorescent red-colored sweet-and-sour sauce and mystery meat-filled egg rolls.  However, I had a feeling that, of any restaurant in her repertoire thus far, Cafe China had the ability to forever change her mind about Chinese food...

Our meal was an all-around success:  Because Cafe China has a full bar, Dad was able to sip on his scotch and Mom and I each ordered cocktails.  Contrary to her assumption, there was not a single linoleum tile or flickering fluorescent light overhead; Cafe China's interior space is well-suited for even the snobbiest atmosphere-sensitive diner (ahem, my mom).  The service was solid and the food was exemplary - as always.  I believe it was the Pork Dumplings in Chili Oil that had Mom at "ni hao."  That's "hello," in English, by the way.  It was love at first bite.  In addition to the dumplings, we ordered:  Dan Dan Noodles, Baby Cucumber, Steamed Soup Buns, Scallion Pancakes, Kung Pao Chicken (for Dad), and Lightly Sauteed Lotus Root.

After a fantastic and, in Mom's case, life-changing meal, we parted ways.  Hopefully I showed my parents enough of a delightful - and delicious - holiday in NYC that they will return again in months, not years.  Until next time...  

Cafe China - Authentic Chinese cuisine - 13 E. 37th Street - NYC 10016

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While flipping through a magazine a few weeks ago, I came across this...

...and could not get to Chipotle fast enough! 

Last Friday night, I headed to my nearest location after work.  Now, I'll be honest, while perusing Chipotle's website earlier in the day, I was a bit nervous upon reading "(Margaritas) available at our locations with liquor licenses."  What would I do if my local franchise, gasp, didn't have a fcuking liquor license!?!

"Oh, thank god!"  I gasped upon noting that the Patron Margarita was, in fact, on the menu.

"I'll take one of those," I said, pointing to the Patron Margarita on the overhead menu.  While the friendly cashier took my $8.27, another employee began whipping up my cocktail.  By hand!  Segment by laborious segment.

It only took one sip for me to realize that "this (margarita) is better than most of the versions I've had at those 'fancy cocktail' joints!"  Composed of just a handful of ingredients - all of which, by the way, are of the highest quality - Chipotle's Patron Margarita has the perfect balance of sweetness and tang and virtually no "tequila bite." 

I was so excited and overwhelmed by how delicious this beverage was, that I ordered myself another round!  #lush #margaritawhore

So, are you sold?  If, by chance, you're one of those people who think they're too good/high class to get your crunk on at a fast-food Mexican joint, I triple-dog-dare you to try one of these margaritas.  Just one!  I'll bet you $8.27 that you will thank me later.

To find your nearest Chiptole, click here

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On Saturday at noon, some of my fellow New York Mexican Food Lovers Meetup members and I met for lunch at Fonda's East Village location.  While the food was delicious and the $25 prix-fixe brunch special was a steal (entree choice plus 1.5 hours of "drink and drown), the service was downright offensive.  Here's why:

• Although we did not have reservations, I assumed that our party of six wouldn't have much of an issue getting seated within a reasonable amount of time at noon on a Saturday.  We were in the East Village, after all.  I mean, who's up before 2pm?  Let's be honest.  Anyhoo, another member and I were the first two to arrive.  While the host had no problem seating us as an incomplete party - the restaurant was virtually empty, after all - the manager overheard the conversation, interrupted the host, and refused to seat us before the rest of our group arrived.  #buzzkiller
• Once the rest of our party arrived, we were led to a table in the dining room.  When I asked if another chair could be added - as one of the members texted that he was just around the corner - the manager threatened to "start the timer," assuming that we were there for the $25 prix-fixe + 1.5 hour drink-and-drown brunch.  "Go ahead and start the timer," I said.  "We are not here to get wasted, Sir."

While the food/drink were tasty, our experience would have fared MUCH better had the service not sucked. 

Frozen hibiscus margarita

Chips, salsa, guacamole, and handmade corn tortillas

Cheese enchiladas with mole sauce

Fonda - Mexican cuisine - 40 Avenue B - NYC 10009

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Although it was tough to wake up on Sunday morning, it would have been much worse had I not been so excited about attending my first aquacycling class at AQUA.  Yes, I said aquacycling!  That means spinning in a pool.  For those of you who still cannot comprehend, check out the picture below:

Source: AQUA Studio NYTrust me when I say that your "dry" spin studio has NOTHING on this place/concept.  Seriously, this ride was a game-changer for me.  Why?

• You don't sweat your ass off - you're in a pool, so you remain relatively cool at all times.  Even though you're getting a killer workout.
• You burn 800 calories/class.  Score! 
• My quads were KILLING me within hours.  This never happened post dry-spin.  To me, muscle aches = success.
• There is a maximum of 15 people/class.
• Like SoulCycle, you get a full-body workout (arms, abs, tap backs, etc.)
• The atmosphere is very serene and tranquil.
• Right now, AQUA only accepts female clients.  While I love me a man, it's nice not having to worry about looking "hot" in my swimsuit.

AQUA - Aquacycling studio - 78 Franklin Street - NYC 10013

~~~

Until we eat again,

The Lunch Belle

The Weekly Eater: 5/06 - 5/12

What I loved and/or really stood out last week in life, love (hah!), food & drink  (5/06 - 5/12)

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Beets.  I'm obsessed.  Because of their prevalence at the salad bar in my company's cafeteria, I eat them everyday.  Every work day, that is.  And, on weekends, I'm either fantasizing about the week to come in "cafeteria beets," or scouring brunch menus that offer them in some form or fashion.

Kutsher's Tribeca: Roasted Beet Salad...

Last Tuesday night, Schwan's Consumer Brands (Tony's, Red Baron, Freschetta, Edwards, and Mrs. Smith) invited me to an exclusive media screening of Marvel's Iron Man 3.

As soon as we got settled in our seats at the theater, guests were each served personal-sized pizza boxes containing approximately 4-6 varied slices from the pizza companies under Schwan's umbrella.  While I enjoyed everything I sampled, I especially liked Freschetta's Chicken Club pie:  Chunks of legit white breast meat, tomato sauce that didn't have that stupid metallic aftertaste, smoky bacon nibs, wilted spinach greens, a mysteriously-delicious "white" sauce base, and a really damn good crust.  

Following the pizza course, we were served a trio of sliced desserts from the pie companies under Schwan's umbrella:  Hershey's Chocolate Creme, Salted Caramel, and Cherry.  And, as if that weren't enough, bags of buttery, salted popcorn were distributed when the movie started.

I got such a kick out of this media event.  I mean, what's better than dinner, dessert, and a movie?  Thanks again, Schwan's!

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Last Wednesday, May 8th, I celebrated my 9th anniversary in NYC.  I cannot believe that I have lived here since 2004; alas, "time certainly flies when you're having fun."  And, boy, has it been a ride! 

It still feels like yesterday when, just before entering the security line at the airport, I turned around and waved my parents "goodbye" one last time.  I landed at LaGuardia with three suitcases, a few hundred bucks, and a handful of dreams.  My dear friend, Bill, picked me up and drove me to The Webster Apartments, a transient women's dormitory where I would spend the next two months.  And begin my new life as a permanent resident in The Big Apple, a dream that I had held on to ever since seeing "Annie" at the ripe age of 4... 

The Webster Apartments Thank you, NYC, for the experiences - opportunities - friendships - relationships - culture - education - networking - Lucy - and everything in between.  You have taken me in your arms and cradled me, accepted me, and have shown me the best 9 years that a girl could ever hope for.  Here's to many, many more!   

I am so incredibly proud to call myself a...

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For those of you who have been around for a while, you are already aware of my undying love for Haagen-Dazs.  It all started with their once limited-edition Fleur de Sel Caramel back in 2009.  From there, I became a devout fan of Chocolate Peanut Butter, Prailines & Cream (which, by the way, is super hard to find), and Cookies & Cream.  So, you can imagine my excitement when I was invited to the unveiling of the 'Haagen-Dazs Artist Series' – a collection of unique, limited-edition works of art inspired by a journey to Italy and gelato. 

Held at Pouring Ribbons, a bar in the East Village, the intimate gathering was complete with demonstrations, musical performances, and a dessert/cocktail tasting featuring the new Haagen-Dazs Gelato line.  And, speaking of tasting, I fell particularly hard for the specialty beverage that was composed of vodka, heavy cream, and Haagen-Dazs Limoncello Gelato...

But the best treat of all?  Rubbing elbows with world-famous Momofuku Milk Bar owner and pastry chef, Christina Tosi, who was serving Biscotti Milk, Chocolate Limoncello cookies, and Dark Chocolate Chip Gelato Cake!  #starstruck

Momofuku Milk Bar's Christina TosiChristina Tosi's Chocolate Limoncello cookiesChristina Tosi's Dark Chocolate Chip Gelato Cake...

Chipotle Mexican Grill is now serving top-shelf margaritas.  Made with Patron, triple sec, organic agave nectar, and a blend of freshly squeezed lemon and lime juice. 

Need I say more?

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Rarely am I one to plug hotels, as I'm quick to find flaws with service, aesthetics, location, cleanliness, etc.  However, just hours prior to my parents' arrival in NYC last week, I decided to check-in to their room at the Eventi and stock it with goodies (scotch for Dad, crackers for Mom).  And crank the A/C full-blast.  And grab a bucket of ice for Dad.  And snag extra towels for Mom.  And, and, and.  "They hate NYC."  I advised to the front desk clerk upon check-in, "so if you could make sure that they have the best room in their category, that would be amazing.  I just want this to be one less thing they'll complain about."  There was this genuine sense that Stephen M. (front desk clerk who is also the hotel's concierge) was concerned and actually cared about my parents' visit.  He upgraded them to the next class of rooms, and even had a bottle of wine sent up prior to their arrival.

Aside from Stephen M., we also found that all of the employees we encountered at the Eventi went above and beyond the call of duty.  What a pleasant surprise in this day and age!  

Oh, and another awesome tidbit about the Eventi is that they have a pretty solid restaurant - under the ESquared umbrella (which means popovers in the bread basket!) - called Humphrey.  Think:  Indoor and outdoor dining, American fare, and a full bar.    

Eventi - moderate to expensive rooms - 850 Avenue of the Americas - NYC 10001

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For the fourth year in a row, I was invited to judge The New York Texas Exes' Lone Star Chili Cook-off at Beekman Beer Garden.  What made this particular cook-off extra special was the fact that I had my parents, from Texas, in tow!

When it comes to chili, recipes are as individualistic as a human fingerprint.  There are multiple possibilities in terms of spice, texture, color, and flavor.  Proving that point, the contestants made use of both traditional and exotic ingredients:  Seafood, a kaleidoscope of fresh and smoked peppers, beans, ground meat and poultry, sausage, brisket, cumin, chicharrones, cornbread, sour cream, etc.  However, when it came down to it, the chilis that scored the highest were those that were the most traditional ("traditional" being a relative term, I suppose) and closest to "what Mom used to make."  In fact, the chili in the photo, directly above, was my favorite of the 20+ samples that I tried. 

Unlimited beer and chili - a live band belting out everything from country to Michael Jackson - a gorgeous location with breathtaking views of Brooklyn and Manhattan - and a crowd filled with TEXpats was the perfect introductory event to kick off my weekend with Mom and Dad. 

Until next year, y'all!

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For dinner on Saturday night, I took Mom and Dad to one of my favorite restaurants in the city:  BLT Fish.  And, just like every other time that I've had the pleasure of dining there, the restaurant did not disappoint.  Nor did the service.  Or the atmosphere. 

If you've never been, I highly suggest adding BLT Fish to your repertoire.  You simply cannot help but fall in love with this incredibly special gem, quietly tucked away on the third floor of building on 17th Street. 

BLT Fish: An amuse bouche of pureed green pea/goat cheese, served with homemade seasoned crispsBLT Fish: Life-altering green onion/cheese biscuits, served with maple syrup-topped salted butterBLT Fish: Alaskan King Crab legsBLT Fish: Nova Scotia hard shell lobsterBLT Fish: English spinachBLT Fish: Pommes puree (potatoes smashed with brown butter)BLT Fish: Gratis desserts include homemade green apple cotton candy, passion fruit caramels, and chocolates topped with fleur de selBLT Fish - seafood, American cuisine -  21 W. 17th Street - NYC 10011

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TGIF and have a great weekend, y'all!

Until we eat again,

The Lunch Belle

The Weekly Eater: 4/29 - 5/05

What I loved and/or really stood out last week in food & drink  (4/29 - 5/05)

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There was a great article in the WSJ last week about how 26th Street has become the city's newest "restaurant row."  And rightfully so; within the past year, Maysville, Grey Bar, Hanjan, The Flatiron Room, Melt Shop, and Toshi's Living Room have all sprouted up like the spring tulips on Park Avenue.

Hanjan held the top spot on my list of "restaurants to try on 26th Street" since it opened its doors in December.   Aside from the fact that I've been on a Korean-food kick/bender, I was also really impressed by the restaurant's creative cocktail list (a far cry from the beverages one might find on most of the menus in "Korea Town")...

Housed in a space that, just months prior, was a less-than-sexy Indian take-out joint, I was floored by the transformation...

From this...(note the discolored, McDonalds'esque floor tile!)

Photo credit: Midtown LunchTo THIS!

Photo credit: nycgo.comAfter months of anticipation, I met Linda for dinner at Hanjan.  While she began with a glass of wine, I chose to kick things off with a sassy bourbon cocktail that was married with jujube, lemon, fresh mint, and peach bitters. 

For our meal, we decided to split multiple plates, including:

Perilla Jeon w. Shrimp and Pork  Instead of being enveloped by dough, the contents of this dumpling are surrounded by a Perilla leaf, then deep fried.  Unapologetically unique and positively delicious!

Hanjan: Perilla Jeon w/ Shrimp and PorkBBQ Galbi Skewers  Marinated beef short rib skewers are accompanied with lettuce-cup wraps, scallion salad, and ssamjang. 

Hanjan: BBQ Galbi SkewersScallion Pancake (sans the local squid, which is typically combined with the scallion in the pancake batter)  Whole scallion nibs, each about 1" in diameter, are lightly bound by Korean pancake batter and fried to beautiful golden brown.   

Hanjan: Scallion PancakePork Fat 'Ddukbokki' (sans fish cakes, which are typically incorporated within the dish)  Gummy, cylindrical rice cakes are tossed in a spicy sauce and accompanied by an undercooked hard-boiled egg with a molten center.

Hanjan: Pork Fat 'Ddukbokki'Radish Kimchi & Brisket Fried Rice  Everyone's favorite side dish, fried rice, is combined with tangy radish kimchi and smoky beef brisket, before being crowned with a perfectly-cooked sunny-side-up egg

Hanjan: Radish Kimchi & Brisket Fried RiceHanjan - Korean cuisine - 36 W. 26th Street - NYC 10010

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I've captured some great tagging of late...!

A graffiti artist with style. I love it!I love Spanish cuss words. ...

Ever since I started working in Tribeca, all everyone seemed to talk about was the "magical Japanese curry at Greenwich Grill."  But Greenwich Grill?  Really?  Wasn't that the place that DeNiro - or some other actor - owned?  I thought it was a steakhouse?

Man, was I wrong...Turns out, Greenwich Grill prides itself in serving "Tokyo-Italian" cuisine.  To be honest, the products of whatever Italy and Tokyo could possibly conceive didn't sound particularly appetizing.  But, at the end of the day, all I cared about was getting my curry on.

Fellow cowowrkers, Phil and Sunwoo, agreed to accompany me to lunch at Greenwich Grill. 

Greenwich Grill: Menu coverAfter placing our beverage orders, we were promptly served a basket of the most delicious, pillowy-soft focaccia bread.

Greenwich Grill: Focaccia breadSince Sunwoo is a pescatarian, it wasn't in his best interest to order the curry, as the sauce is beef-based.  Phil and I, on the other hand, each ordered the same version:  Ebisu Curry (Japanese-style beef curry over white rice) topped with a sliced pork cutlet. 

Greenwich Grill: Ebisu Curry with pork cutletUnbelievable.  Precision.  Umami.  Those are just a handful of the words that I would use to describe this dish.  Imagine, if you will, beef pot roast, only with smaller cubes of meat, carrots, and onions.  Instead of a soupy "stew" base, think of something more along the lines of a thickened au-jus with a burst of curry flavor.  Served alongside white sticky rice, then topped with a sliced, panko-coated, fried pork cutlet that's moist, juicy, and whose crust adds an unexpectedly pleasant "crunch."    

Greenwich Grill - "Tokyo-Italian" cuisine - 428 Greenwich Street - NYC 10013

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I'm a total Mad. Sq. Eats whore.  I become giddy when I learn of the newly added vendors to the mobile culinary "festival "and cannot help but relish in the fact that the whole shebang is located just a stone's throw from my apartment. 

Instead of making a bee-line for the Momofuku Milk Bar kiosk (I'm obsessed with their 'birthday cake truffles'), I decided that I was craving an ice cream cone, instead.  I approached Dreamscoops with the hope that they carried salted caramel.  I was in luck. 

I was handed an artisan waffle cone filled with two ample scoops of salted caramel ice cream.  With each lick, I could taste the incredibly rich and buttery milk and cream and, better yet, the gooey ribbons of sweet and salty caramel.  Outstanding - handmade - and worth every damn calorie.  

Get.  Here.  Now.

Dreamscoops - ice cream - mobile/nomadic & temporary locations in NYC

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A couple of weeks ago, I took Lucy, my pup, for a walk after work.  As we meandered through Madison Square Park, Lucy, the friendly gal she is, approached a much larger dog.  Classic case of "Napoleon complex."  They greeted eachother in the typical way that canines do (butt sniffing), and I started chatting with the owner.  Minutes later, we were approached by a woman walking an adorable toy poodle puppy that must have been about 3-4 pounds.  Lucy and the bigger dog greeted the poodle, while the three of us chatted.  Out of nowhere, the big dog dipped down and snatched the poodle in his mouth.  I don't know whose yelps were louder, the puppy's or his owner's.  The bigger dog would NOT let the puppy go, no matter what we tried to do.  The owner begged for someone to get the water bottle out of his bag and pour water in the bigger dog's face (apparently dogs hate this?).  In a desperate move, I forefully tried to pry the larger dog's mouth open, and was bit (yes, I later got a tetanus shot).  This whole showdown lasted for approximately 2-minutes, before someone, in the crowd that had gathered, hit the bigger dog in the snout, which somehow made him release the poodle.  The puppy's owner was hysterical, so I grabbed her - delicately picked up her pup - and Lucy - and rushed to the nearest vet. 

To make a long story short, the first vet center gave the injured puppy a shot to ease his pain and sent us to a 24-hour/emergency pet hospital.  After two surgeries (one from the puncture wound and another for the hernia that he gave himself from all of the stress) and $6000 in medical bills later, I'm proud to report that Pomme, as his owner calls him, is alive and well!  

Because of the traumatic experience that we shared, Pomme's owner and I have become friendly.  On Sunday, we met from brunch at Dos Caminos (in honor of Cinco de Mayo and because they have outdoor seating), and lovingly watched on as our dogs reunited for the first time since that tragic evening.  United by an ugly event that, fortunately, had a very happy ending, the four of us will be forever friends...

Lucy (white) + Pomme (multi-colored)...

Until we eat again,

The Lunch Belle