New York City eats

Just over a week ago, I snuck in a quick getaway to New York. Since eating is a theme for most of my trips (and my life in general) I have lots of great experiences to share and some pictures too.

"HOME-COOKED" TRENDY DINNER OUT

Where: Mama's http://www.mamasfoodshop.com/

What: Fried chicken, macaroni and cheese plus mashed potatotes with gravy

Yummy factor: Very tasty. I can't recall the last time I ate fried chicken but this is one of the best I've ever had. The spuds were really flavourful – peppery and flecked with chives.

$: It was cheapity, cheap, cheap. My meal cost 12 bucks and included two pieces of chicken and a whack of starch. When I finished eating my plate looked like it still had a full serving. See before and after shot below.

TAPAS

Where: El Quinto Pino http://www.elquintopinonyc.com/

What: Sea urchin sandwich and braised meat sandwich

Yummy factor: The sea urchin sandwich was tasty with surprising texture that was creamy. The flavour was delicate but not really fishy. The braised meat was quite succulent with a caramelized onion flavour.

$: It was a bit expensive but I really liked the vibe. Veronica (pic below) our host gave us many eating suggestions (including Lupa listed below) so our visit was well worth it. Thank you Veronica.

ELEGANT DINNER OUT

Where: Lupa http://www.luparestaurant.com

What: Down to earth Italian restaurant owned by Mario Batali

To start: Roasted beets with pistachios and broccoli rabe with ricotta

For dinner: Carbonara agnolloti with butternut squash

Dessert: Apple, cheese and bread

Yummy factor: Simple straightforward Italian fare that was done just right.

$: It was more than we spent most places but considering it was a lot nicer ambiance-wise but I felt it was quite reasonable.

BREAKFAST

Where: Colonial cafe http://cafecolonialny.com/

What: Omelette with fruit salad and Pao de Queijo (Brazilian cheese bread)

Chicken sandwich with avocado, tomato and pesto

Yummy factor: Nice breakfast. I highly suggest the Pao de Queijo (Brazilian cheese bread)

$: Quite reasonable

NEW YORK PIZZA NIGHT

Where: Grimbaldi's http://www.grimaldis.com/brooklyn.htm

What: Za with cheese, peppers, basil and olives.

Yummy factor: Excellent pizza and I think... this might be the quintessential Brooklyn experience. But what do I know? It felt like it was straight out of a movie. Well worth the wait in the long lineup.

$: Quite inexpensive. The bill was 40 bucks (bottle of wine included).

A NIGHT OUT PLUS TACOS

Where: Union Poole

http://www.myspace.com/unionpool

What: There is a campfire on the patio of this bar. Plus there is also an awesome taco cart.

Yummy factor: I had the chorizo tostada (wish I had a pic, sorry) with guacamole, yum. There was also a guy walking around with a cooler filled with warm, homemade empanadas.

$: Cheap! My taco cost $3.50. Empanadas were $2 each.

TEA

Where: Alice's Tea cup

http://www.alicesteacup.com/

What: Very cute Alice in Wonderland-themed tea house.

Yummy factor: The scones were fabulous. I had the two scone and tea pot special for $10. I chose, one cheddar and ham and one caramel-pecan chocolate. Had these with a tea that grew near a volcano. It was good but not as impressive as the scones.

Alice’s is just a couple blocks from Central Park and Strawberry Fields (the memorial for John Lennon). Maybe that cheesy, but since I’m a huge Beatles fan, I felt it had to be done.

MARKET

Union Square

I really enjoyed the market there. I bought apples and local cheeses. They made for a nice pre-dinner snack.

BEER AND ARCADE

Barcade (Appropriately named)

This was super fun. Love that I could play old arcade games (from when I was a kid) and drink beer at the same time.

www.barcadebrooklyn.com