Celeste – Underneath the Italian Sun …

Every neighborhood has it’s own Italian spot and Upper West Siders all know the road to this place.
Conveniently located close to the Museum of Natural History, you can never fail when stepping into this restaurant.

The manager will greet you with a smile and will help you making the right decision.

Their ravioli with ricotta and spinach is a must-try evergreen.
More adventurous?
Try one of the daily specials!

All pizza’s and fresh pasta’s are home made, the Nero D’Avola from Sicily will make you feel as if you were having dinner underneath the Italian Sun…

Buon Appetito!

Celeste 
502 Amsterdam Avenue
New York, NY 10024

Photo credit: TripAdvisor 

 

The Fat Radish – Vegetarian Heaven

Where would you take a friend who knows something about food and is an architect? You take them to The Fat Radish, order the Fat Radish plate, the Pot Pie and some doughnuts.
You share a bottle of wine, some life lessons and great experiences and you call it a day.

One of the places I love to recommend to friends visiting New York.
The industrial setting is perfect for a great night out.
And after all those American burgers and T-bone steaks, vegetarian options are more then welcome!

Waiting for a table or craving another drink after dinner?
Just cross the street and visit The Leadbelly.

Sometimes it’s just that simple…

The Fat Radish
17 Orchard Street
New York, NY 10002

Photo credit: Our Little Black Book 

Roberta’s – Here to stay!

Want to eat Pizza? Roberta’s.

Want to eat Pizza and have a great time? Roberta’s.

Want to have a great experience without the Pizza? Roberta’s.

In the last case, go for the Coppa, Oxtail Ragout, seasonal salad and a sticky bun.

Hang out in the garden while you wait for a table, have a glass of wine, watch the cool crowd, be part of what people call a hype.
Don’t worry about that, they’re wrong.
A hype will fade out after a while, Roberta’s is here to stay!

Roberta’s 
261 Moore street
Brooklyn, NY 11206

Photo credit: The Infatuation 

La Vara – Escape to Spain …

Without a doubt one of my personal favorites!
The first time I visited La Vara, I was just wandering in the streets of the cutest Brooklyn Neighborhood ever, Cobble Hill. With a city guide in one hand and a refreshing drink in the other, I parked myself on one of the benches in Cobble Hill Park while I was looking for a nice place for dinner.

La Vara was listed as one of the To-Go spots in this area and was just next to the park.
This Spanish Tapas restaurant creates the perfect vibe for every occasion.

Want to grab a cocktail and a quick bite? Ask for a seat at the bar.
Date night with your boy/girl friend? A table for two please!
Girls night or meeting with the in-laws? The 2 benches by the windows will make sure everybody’s having a good time!

Sharing is caring and all of the plates are prepared perfectly.
No need to make it harder on yourself, just order everything!
In case you do need to make a decision: Go for the CARABINEROS!
This delicacy alone is worth the trip!

Whenever you are in dire need of some really good tapas, La Vara…

La Vara
268 Clinton Street
Brooklyn, NY 11201

Photo credit: La Vara

Atla – Good morning Mexico!

You cannot learn with an empty stomach!

My friend Mr. P and I decided to take a trip upstate to enjoy Fall, experience art and visit Hudson. And since the car rental company was located on Lafayette Avenue, we decided to start our tip here at Atla for breakfast.

I always love to learn about new cultures and their eating-habits.
This time around: Mexican cuisine. And being the little side project of gastronomic icon Cosme, Atla was setting the bar high!

It was one of my first ‘Mexican Breakfast-experiences’ but definitely not my last!
The huge windows on the street side, the planters on the wall and the perfectly designed bar made it seem this place was amazing for breakfast and lunch. It was airy, bright and created a great ‘Good morning Mexico’ feeling! Only the sun and the beach were missing!

Our server recommended the Huevos Rancheros.
Too spicy? Get the tropical fruit salad to balance out!
Great advice!

Atla 
372 Lafayette Avenue
New York, NY 10012

Photo credit: Atla

Momosan Ramen – Irasshaimase!

I have never felt more WELCOME in a restaurant then I felt in Momosan.
Even on a regular Thursday, after a busy day at work.
Every guest that walks in into this Ramen-Heaven gets a shout out by the team, creating an instant feel-good hospitality experience.

While sipping our Sake – yes, they have plenty – we soaked in this eclectic mix of business people and foodie’s.

Even though the menu is rather limited, we had everything we needed!
Taco’s, pigs ears and their signature Ramen Bowl.
Possibly the more unusual combo I have had so far in New York, but it worked.

And the correlation between classical music and fine dining?
Wiped off of the high seating tables!
Rihanna’s ‘Friends with a Monster’ was living proof that music does have a huge impact on the atmosphere!

Momosan – Ramen and Sake
342 Lexington Avenue
New York, NY 10016

Photo credit: Momosan

Gran Electrica – Where even the wallpaper contributes to the experience!

When Summer is turning into Fall, and you only have a couple nights left to spend it outdoors with somebody you like,

Take them to Gran Electrica,
This Mexican gem offers everything what you need for a great dining experience!

First of all, service here is on point. If you need another reason, drinks absolutely fabulous, the back yard the perfect setting for a romantic dinner and the fab wall paper will give you the perfect conversation starter.

Besides all that, Gran Electrica is secretly located next to Grimaldi’s,
When all the tourists are trying to get a pizza from the neighbors, the cool Brooklyn crowd will sneak into Gran Electrica!

Gran Electrica
5 Front Street – Dumbo
Brooklyn, NY 11201

Wallpaper by:
Flavor Paper
216 Pacific Street
Brooklyn, NY

Photo credit: Gran Electrica 

Sweet, Sweet Polly

Men want to date her,
Women want to be like her.
She stares at you from inside her frame on the wall,
Making sure you’re being served well.
Sweet Polly

And you can be sure Bruno and his team are here to take care of you.
With his team of professionals, they deliver the right experience every single time,

Sipping cocktails at the bar, savoring the small plates or watching the cool Brooklyn crowd.

This place makes you feel sexy, even without a date …

Sweet Polly 
71 Sixth Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11217

Picture credit by Sweet Polly