Category Archives: Restaurants

Tertulia Spanish Taverna, West Village, New York

Tertulia. n. A social gathering of like-minded individuals with literary or artistic undertones, usually to showcase poetry, short stories, and other artistic expression.

There are perfect meals. Some are in New York, and even in the West Village. But not often in a casual tapas joint. Our evening at Tertulia was one of those pleasant and perfect evenings, an early dinner and a glass of wine, warm company and smiles that centered on the great food before us.

Tosta Matrimonio - black and white anchovies, slow-roasted tomato, sheep'€™s milk cheese, aged balsamic

Tosta Matrimonio – black and white anchovies, slow-roasted tomato, sheep’€™s milk cheese, aged balsamic

 

I love tapas. I’ve loved them since a trip to Barcelona made me fall for a hidden smoky place called Bar Rodrigo, to which I’ve lead a number of travelers, all of whom come back with glowing reviews about that bar that’s stuck in time.

Cojonudo - Two bites of smoked pig cheek, quail egg and pepper

Cojonudo – Two bites of smoked pig cheek, quail egg and pepper

 

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Brunch at Blueprint, Park Slope, Brooklyn

It was the eye-catching simple exterior that caught our attention first when we passed by this place on Fifth and then peeked inside its windows. Right in front of us was a plate of biscuits being consumed by a brunch diner and elicited a “Mmmm!” from both us, including the mental note to make a future plan to dine there.

That time came soon enough and we found ourselves on a warm spring day in their backyard garden for a nice little brunch. So nice. I’d love to come back.

Corned beef hash and eggs.

I loved their house-cured corned beef with the perfect yellow eggs.

The pork butt comes with a biscuit and kale slaw.

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Patsy’s Pizzeria

I’ve always thought that Patsy’s was a more easygoing alternative to Grimaldi’s before they moved to their new location. At Patsy’s locations there isn’t such a wait, plus there are family style platters of pastas and appetizers you can order for those who aren’t so pizza-crazy or just want a more balanced meal.

I actually like Patsy’s pizza. The crust stays crispy and the restaurants are roomy, drama-free stops in the city for reliable New York brick oven pizza and above average pasta.

Sausage, mushroom and black olives on a large pie.

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Brunch at The Vanderbilt, Brooklyn

I’ve been meaning to try The Vanderbilt since it opened a few years ago. Crowds always fill this place for dinner and I haven’t had the chance to try its reputed goodness, so we decided to try it for brunch one Sunday.

The Slinger – hashbrowns, chili, fried egg, cheddar cheese.

I love brunch and believe it’s a good excuse to socialize. I’ve been a big fan of the offerings at Stone Park , Blue Hill at Stone Barns, and at Frankie’s. But I’m also aware of The Brunch Phenomenon, Continue reading

Krystal’s Cafe 81

We had already come from a tapas dinner nearby and then more drinks at a bar when we passed by Krystal’s Cafe 81 and found sisig on their menu. If you’re not Pinoy or a Filipinophile (yet), sisig is a popular drinking dish made with pork face and ear skin and cartilage. It is usually served in a sizzling cast iron plate along with some San Miguel Beer, which incidentally Krystal’s also serves to those familiar with the magic of SMB.

Sizzling sisig topped with egg.

Krystal’s sisig was crunchy and delicious, a little meatier than the usual sisig, but it still brings me back to drunken evenings at Treehouse, long ago and oh so very far away…. Continue reading

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