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Rebecca with a salad from Mediterraneo.
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By Rebecca Simzak
I met my friend Jackie after work last week and we decided to go out for a quick bite. Jackie, a connoisseur of Upper East Side eateries, recommended Mediterraneo. The restauraunt is relatively unassuming, located on the corner of 66th and 2nd Ave. The interior is dimly lit and super cozy. We arrived around 7:00 p.m., and got seated at a great table instantly. However, reservations are recommended on weekends.
The menu consists of classic Italian and Mediterranean, such as various Carpaccio appetizers and a fully loaded and delicious (so I’m told…) pasta menu. My friend Jackie and I weren’t terribly hungry so we decided to split two entrees. I ordered the Insalata Mediterraneo (shrimp, plum tomatoes, capers, arugola and balsamic house dressing- $13.50) and she ordered the Filetto Di Salmone Alla Grilia (fillet of grilled salmon served with sauted spinach- $21.50). We shared the two entrees - and several glasses of wine ;).
The food was delicious and the ambience was perfect for catching up with a close friend … I would definitely recommend it for a casual date or intimate dinner with a small group of friends.
Mediterraneo
1260 2nd Av (at 66th ST)
212-734-7407
www.mediterraneonyc.com
Becca with her friend Jackie.
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Rebecca at Bao Restaurant
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By Rebecca Simzak
If you are anything like most of my Manhattan friends and you’ve been trying to put yourself on a budget for ‘09, then you should definitely check out Bao on 23rd and 2nd Ave.
The food is awesome and very reasonably priced, and the ambience is pretty great too. My friend Lisa and I went this week for dinner. As it was pretty busy (prime time seems to be between 8 and 10 pm) we decided to sit at the bar.
They offer a lot of specialty cocktails (saketinis etc), and their main bartender, Ash, is one of the best in Manhattan. If nothing on the menu catches your eye, he’ll create something for you on the spot. He makes a killer Lychee martini, $9.00, which Lisa and I both ordered.
For appetizers, we split the Taro Fries ($5.95) which come with a side of spicy sauce and Asian mayonnaise. I usually avoid fries at any cost but because they’re made of Taro root and cooked in a wok as opposed to being fried, they are actually not too bad for you. After that we moved on to the Sweet and Sour Chicken Soup (made with tomatoes, shrimp, pinapple, ochra, bean sprouts and herbs in a spicy seafood broth - $5.95), and shared the Jicama Spring Rolls (made with steamed jicama, lettuce, Chinese sausage, dried shrimp basil and hoisin sauce.) Nearly full at this point, we actually decided to forego a main course in place of dessert … very naughty! We had the banana pudding (bananas, chocolate pudding, whipped cream and strawberries- $6.95) it was SO delicious.
I would absolutely suggest Bao for a casual dinner with friends. The food is awesome and inexpensive and the service is great. My only recommendation would be to make sure to head in before the rush dinner crowd if you want a guaranteed table. However the service at the bar was incredible and if I went back I’d definitely want to try some more of the Mr. Ash’s custom cocktails.
Bao Noodles
391 2nd Ave btw 22nd and 23rd
Rebecca tastes the banana pudding.
Tasty spring rolls from Bao.
Rebecca enjoys a glass of Cabernet at Chez Josephine.
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By Rebecca Simzak
For my Godmother’s birthday last weekend, I took her to Chez Josephine. Located in the heart of the theatre district (42nd Street between 9th and 10th Ave), it is the perfect combination of Old New York, delicious food and reasonable prices. Despite the neighborhood, Josephine’s has far less tourists than other nearby staples like Sardis, and the tables have plenty of space between patrons. The interior is done in old Parisian decor complete with a grand piano on the lower level and Josephine Baker themed artwork throughout.
The staff is extremely inviting and attentive, often times you will be greeted by the owner himself, Jean Claude Baker, Josephine Baker’s adopted son. Jean Claude is extremely enthusiastic about his restaraunt which he opened in 1986 in tribute to his mother. A very lively and outgoing host, He has even come and sat at my table in the past to check on the meal.
To start we all had a glass of Cabernet-Sauvignon in celebration of my God-mother’s birthday ($8.00 per glass or $38.00 per bottle). For an entree I had the grilled atlantic salmon with julienne vegetables ($26.00), which was delicious and perfectly cooked at medium-rare. My Godmother had the Spaghetti Bolgonese ($19.00), listed on the menu as “Josephine’s Favourite” which she loved. My mother had the Duck L’Orange with spicy wild greens and wild rice ($27.00) and my girlfriend had the Braised Short Ribs with onion rings and creamy polenta ($29.00). Everyone agreed the food was delicious and upon my request, the waiter surprised my Godmother with a chocolate mouse dessert with candles while dimming the lights in the upstairs dining area.
I definitely recommend Chez Josephine for a pre-theatre dinner or a special date or birthday celebration!
414 W. 42nd Street (between 9th and 10th Ave)
212-594-1925 (reservations are recommended but not required)
Rebecca slices a piece of salmon.
Rebecca with her godmother.
Rebecca at Ono inside the Gansevoort Hotel
By Rebecca Simzak
Acclaimed Sushi restaurant Ono is still going strong with superb sushi in the meatpacking district! Inside the Gansevoort Hotel, Ono has the feel of a West Hollywood Sushi lounge. The oversized raw bar displays huge pieces of fish from which their sushi creations are carved. Gorgeous oversized murals of Japanese style tattoo art extend over the back semi private booths.My girlfriend and I were seated at a table for two on the lower level. (I prefer the upper level seating area as it is more private and overlooks the front bar) But we had a delicious meal nonetheless.
We began with the spicy crab sushi pizza (crab, avocado, radish sprouts & red miso: $16.00 pictured), and the ginger cream spinach ($6.00). Next we had the shrimp and chicken robata. This is a small plate that comes with two skewers and five dipping sauces (shiso pesto, spicy plum miso, sesame mustard, scallion ponzo and kimchee $12.00), not as delicious as the sushi pizza but the dipping sauces did add interesting flavor combinations.
As a huge carb-ophobe, I feel that one of Ono’s best features is the selection of riceless rolls. We shared the tuna yaba roll (yuba seaweed, chopped tuna, seared tuna and tempura flakes $16.00) and the eel avocado roll (crabmeat & cucumber wrapped in nori and soft crepe $14.00). Feeling rather full from all the small plates and rolls, we passed on dessert but they did have an extensive menu, including a citrus tart, miso cream and plum sake sorbet that sounded very tempting…
Though the prices are a bit high (rolls are around the $16.00 range) the ambiance and creative plates (ie the spicy crab pizza) make this sushi worth the splurge. Ono is great for a weekend date, especially due to the proximity to the Gansevoort’s infamous rooftop bar. If your dinner ends before midnight, you can access the hotel elevators via the restaurant’s side door and avoid the outside lines.
ONO
Hotel Gansevoort
18 9th Avenue (at Gansevoort st)
Website
Rebecca enjoys the snapper at Double Crown restaurant.
By Rebecca Simzak
This past Saturday I went to Double Crown restaurant with my girlfriend for dinner. Double Crown offers English/American fusion cuisine with Asian–influenced sauces and seasonings. The restaurant is dimly lit with an interior that has the personality of a “high class pub.” A long communial table and oversized bar seem somehow glamorized by Double Crown’s Asian and Art nouveau accents. I could totally picture Madonna here in her Guy Ritchie days …
The restaurant lends nicely to either a romantic evening out or a group get together, due to double or communal seating. However it’s the food at Double Crown that is absolutely their best-selling feature. To begin, the wait staff brings a platter of thin bread crisps with three dipping sauces: one tsaziki based, one with sweet red pepper and another made with cilantro lime. A full bar is also offered, with tons of unique drink specials. I had the Gooseberry, Red Chili and Elderflower Smash which is made with level vodka, gooseberries, lemon and Elderflower foam ($12.00). It was very light and refreshing without being overly sweet.
My girlfriend and I shared a bunch of small plates as we had a hard time deciding what to order from the menu. We started with the Crispy Drunken Quail (with cinnamon tamarind sauce, carrot and cilantro: $13.00), and the Pigs in a A Wet Blanket (pork with lychee and coconut sauce: $6.00). For Dinner we Shared the Steamed Snapper (with prawn dumplings, sesame broth and bok choy: $27.00) and the Brussels Sprouts (with cinnamon and fenugreek glaze: $5.00). These were AMAZING!!!
Now, I usually have the willpower to restrain myself from the dessert menu, but the small plates and entrée were so amazing that we just had to try out at least one dessert. We decided on the Pumpkin Bread pudding with a pumpkin-vanilla crème sauce ($9.00). It was incredible and a reasonably small portion which helped alleviate any guilt.
I HIGHLY recommend checking out the food at Double Crown ASAP… but be sure to make a reservation. I called a week in advance for our Saturday night dinner and was still given a relatively later (10.00pm) dinner time. Luckily the staff is super friendly and made a note that I would prefer an earlier reservation. They called me back the day before with a 9:15 opening.
Double Crown Restauraunt
316 Bowery (at Bleeker St)
212-254-0350
Rebecca with her girlfriend Leah.
Rebecca shows off her plate of brussels sprouts.
Rebecca eating at the Lasagna Restaurant.
By Rebecca Simzak
I first walked into Lasagna Restaurant a few years back because of its cute and cozy corner location that was just a few blocks from my apartment. It reminded me of the quaint restaurants found in the Rembrantplein district of Amsterdam (a neighborhood specializing in Italian cuisine). In addition to the welcoming exterior the food is delicious and incredibly priced! Also, there is rarely a long wait for a seat.
I have eaten at Lasagna countless times since moving to Chelsea and have tried nearly every dish on their menu (minus the pastas – always watching my carbs!) My absolute favorite is the Eggplant Parmigiana (pictured above). You can get an appetizer size for $8.95 or upgrade to the entrée for $10.95. It is super yummy, unbreaded and a very generous sized portion. Their fish and chicken dishes (especially Chicken Marsala, $13.95 and Salmon Alla Cabrese, $17.95) are incredible and they also have rotating specials daily. I’ve taken various friends to Lasagna and have heard that their lasagna dishes, their namesake for a reason, are to die for. Similarly their caesar salad is great for a lighter meal.
I ate at Lasagna last week and started with their cappuccino ($3.50) which was delicious, and shared the grilled portobello mushrooms as an appetizer. For the main course I stayed loyal to the eggplant- which never disappoints! If you are in the Chelsea area, they will also deliver to your apartment for orders $20.00 and over. Reservations are accepted but not required.
This is a great location for a date or dinner out with friends. They are very accomodating to larger parties (I had my birthday party here in December).
Lasagna also has an additional location in Hells Kitchen: 941 2nd Ave (at 50th). I’ve eaten at both and highly recommend the Chelsea location. The service is much better and the waiters are super cute.
Lasagna Restaurant
196 8th Ave (at 20th Street)
212-242-4551
Rebecca with a waiter at Lasagna Restaurant.
By Rebecca Simzak
If you love pulled pork but aren’t a paper plate kind of girl, then Wildwood Barbeque might be just the place for you.
With the perfect blend of cornbread and cosmos, Wildwood offers all the classics: short ribs, pulled pork and brisket, as well as healthier options like their all natural applewood smoked chicken glazed with apricot barbecue sauce.
Unlike most barbeque spots that offer only beer and soda, Wildwood has a fully stocked 50-foot bar with signature cocktails like the Green Tea sour ($11) as well as specialty beers (Wildwood Organic Ale $8.50/pint, $24.50/pitcher)
Though the wait was a bit long (an extra 15 minutes after our reservation time) the food was excellent and the portions were very generous. My girlfriend and I started with the Jailhouse chili ($6.95) as an appetizer. A bit spicy, but very good, the chili comes in an adorable single serving cauldron (pictured above) and is topped with cheddar and sour cream.
As the chili was incredibly filling, we easily could’ve split one between the two of us, we decided to share the “Best of the Best” pit plate with smoked beef brisket and pulled pork ($24.50) which comes with an option of two sides. I highly recommend the baked beans with bacon and the brussel sprouts with sweet onion and bacon sauce.
We were way too full for dessert … but maybe next time 
Despite the wait and the somewhat cramped table space, the meal was excellent and the service was great. The fine staff even held a Cartier bracelet I had dropped from my purse when paying the bill and held it for me until the next day.
Wildwood Barbeque
225 Park Avenue South at 18th Street
212-533-2500
Website
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Rebecca Simzak is a beautiful NY Blonde living in Chelsea. She is 25 years old and works as a Design Director for Playboy.
By Rebecca Simzak
Since being introduced to sushi by my best friend from Japan when I was 13, I’ve become somewhat of a fanatic. I’ve even learned to make it myself and love to prepare my own crazy varieties.
Needless to say I’ve been to dozens and dozens of sushi restaurants in New York City — everywhere from highly acclaimed Nobu and Ono to the fast food of Japanese cuisine: Monster Sushi. This weekend I went to Sushi A-GO-GO for dinner with my girlfriend and I have to say they have THE BEST sushi I’ve ever eaten in Manhattan.
The restaurant is located across from Lincoln Center super close to the 1 train and a great pre- or post-movie spot due to the proximity to Loews Cinema. The interior of the restaurant is designed in classic Japanese mixed with 1960s mods touches of geometric furniture and neon hues.
Sushi A-GO-GO’s moderate prices (rolls $6.50-12.95), fancy rolls and creative drink menus make it the perfect venue for a date or a girls night out. I highly recommend the Edamame,which is seasoned with slightly spiced salt mix, and go-go seaweed salad to start. Must try specialty rolls include: the Crispy Hawaiian Lobster Roll (avocado, asparagus, tempura flakes with soy paper and spicy mango sauce), the Miso Glazed Red Snapper Roll (with asian pear and avocado) and the Big Go Go (california roll with kampyo, topped with barbecued fresh water eel).
They also offer various drink specials including sake-tinis, asian pear mojitos and more. During the week you can usually walk in but I’d recommend reservations on the weekends.
SUSHI -A-GO-GO
1900 Broadway (across from Lincoln Center) 212-724-7340
www.sushiagogonyc.com
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Rebecca Simzak is a beautiful NY Blonde living in Chelsea. She is 25 years old and works as a Design Director for Playboy.
Rebecca Simzak is a beautiful NY Blonde living in Chelsea. She is 25 years old and works as a Design Director for Playboy. Here are her picks for top 5 restaurants to bring on a date this winter:
1) Best Place to Impress a date
SWEETIEPIE
This brand new west village eatery is the perfect love child of the Plaza’s elegant tea room and Alice and Wonderland’s adventures.
The entire restaurant is decorated in pink and gold décor, complete with a giant birdcage, not so different from the one in Lindsay Lohans Rumours Video.
While desserts are their specialty, brunch and a full bar are also available (although no fancy cocktail menu- as of yet)
19 Greenwich Ave btw 6th and 7th Ave
212-337-3333
www.sweetiepierestaurant.com
2) For an oversized group outing
PLANET THAI 212
The perfect place to go when a party of 4 someone turned into 13. Planet Thai 212 has reasonable priced delicious entrees and seasonal specials (pumpkin dumplings for fall and mint spring rolls for the holidays..yummy!)
The interior is half whimsical half horror movie..check out the front display with partial tv screens/mirrors. It is also super spacious so reservations are rarely needed. Don’t be alarmed if they ask you if you’ve made one though - even if the place is three quarters empty..it’s their thing.
24th Street btw 5th and 6th Ave
212-727-7026
www.pt212.com
3) For the chic/underground date spot
ANGEL’S SHARE
Though they have some strict an interesting “rules” ie) no parties of more than 4, no reservations, no rude patrons, this east village speak easy is worth checking out for their martini menu alone.
The interior is gorgeous with large murals stretched behind the bar and floor to ceiling windows that overlook the city. It’s a bit tricky to access as you have to go up through a somewhat dingy looking Japanese restaurant and access the bar through a secret door. (If you’re REALLY trying to impress your date you may want to pre-game this one a night or two before…so you look like you know what you’re doing)
8 Stuyvesant St
212-777-5415
4) For the perfect NYC holiday dinner date
ROCK CENTER CAFÉ
The views are spectacular-especially if you request a window seat - at this Rockefeller Center classic. The food is incredible and the touristy skaters and Rockefeller center tree are undeniably romantic (no matter how cheesy).
The wait staff are beyond gracious, and while it can be tricky to get a reservation around the holidays (plan in advance for this one!) they are more than willing to try to accommodate window seating and never rush your check.
Rockefeller Center
20 W. 50th Street
212-332-7620
www.rockcentercafeny.com
5) For after dinner drinks - Old New York style
THE TOP OF THE TOWER RESTARAUNT
On the 26th floor of the Beekman Place hotel, the Art Deco style mixed with panoramic city views are breath-taking. As a sucker for romance, this is my favourite drink spot in the city. Exiting the elevator into the bar area feels like entering an Audrey Hepburn film.
Though Top of the Tower is known for its dinner menu, you can also go up for a post dinner drink. The wait staff here are great and as long as you don’t come for drinks during prime dinner hours (7-10) you are welcome to sit and sip on amazing cabernet as long as you like.
3 Mitchell Place
(49th Street and 1st Ave)
212-980-4796
www.thebeekmanhotel.com/Dining/
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