date spot

The Polo Bar

March 4, 2016 by mk

Polo player Ignacio “Nacho” Figueras

When I was 15 studying for my GCSE’s in England, I did a project on the designer Ralph Lauren for my Design course. Brazenly, I somehow managed to finagle a three month internship helping the window designer at their New Bond Street location. For one of their window displays, we created a mini East Hampton estate. As we meticulously worked on the gorgeous displays, one of the carpenters gave me some invaluable advice. “Retail is detail”, he proclaimed. At the time it seemed like quite a lot of fuss for such a small temporary space, but the effects were transportive. A passerby could envision themselves hosting a little soirée on Lily Pond Road, dressed to the nines in a Ralph Lauren.

Cut to the 21st century… We recently had a chance to finally check out Ralph Lauren’s much buzzed about NYC restaurant venture: The Polo Bar. While not officially a members club, the vibe is VIP all the way. They greet you by name outside, which is such a nice touch, if your name happens to be on the list. Reservations are a must, even for the bar. Inside, it’s that magical mix of polished, approachable sophistication. After a few nibbles and an old school cosmopolitan by the fireplace, we slinked downstairs to the gorgeous dining room. Timeless and instantly classic, it doesn’t feel ‘new’ or ‘fresh’, it just ‘is’. It’s quite the scene but in a subtle way, and everyone belongs.

Photo: ‪Eric Helgas‬ / The New Yorker

After a round of shrimp cocktails, oysters and champagne, we saddled up to the sole purpose of our evening. The much anticipated burger. Wow, just wow. Juicy, flavorful and simplicity at its best. Pretty sure it’s already a signature item. The menu is an homage to classic American cuisine, with plenty of options for everyone. Even your vegan friends can rejoice here.

A great addition to the neighborhood, The Polo Bar already feels like an institution. Everything was just perfect, in an un-contrived way – thanks in part to the care and attention to detail, and just the right amount of magic and imagination. If we were to give it a grade? A+++. Oh, my Design GCSE? Also an A. Retail is detail indeed.

The Polo Bar
1 East 55th Street
New York, NY 10022
Tel. +1 212 207 8562

I dream of Genuine…

April 15, 2015 by mk

We recently had the pleasure of attending a sneak preview of Genuine Superette, the second outpost of the Genuine eateries. (The other is Genuine Roadside, located in Gothamist West Side Market). Genuine’s are brought to us by the ever-so talented and creative team, AvroKo. We’re huge fans of everything they do.

WARNING: The buttermilk battered chicken sandwich and the spicy smokehouse burger are seriously addictive. There’s a scene in Overboard where Grant Stayton (the “third”) is hugging a huge 80s decorative shell, longing for a painted lady named Tofutti Klein. “Ahhh Tofutii.. where art you when I need you..?” I picture many a hipster hugging their organic cotton pillows late night, craving the buttermilk chicken sando in the same way. Even I (in a sober haze) dreamt longingly for my new little buttery fried chicken friend. It’s that insane.

What were we talking about again…? Ah yes. Genuine Superette. Everything from the tuna tacos to the quinoa salads were all fresh and tasty. In true California-free-love-spirit, there’s something delicious on the menu for everyone. What’s cool about its corner location (Mulberry and Grand) is that it’s the perfect pit stop for a quick morning bite, afternoon lunch, casual dinner, or late night snack. We hear there’s also a downstairs lounge in the works. The vibe is cool retro and positively upbeat. Evidently 80’s cassette tapes are now works of art, worthy of displaying on the wall. Kids today, many of whom probably don’t even know even what a CD player looks like, will appreciate the historical references. Case in point, overheard in amongst the crowd, “oh wow…I’ve heard of those [cassette tapes] before but I’ve never actually seen one in person.”

Genuine Superette is all about retro roadside classics and fast food done the right way. Their unique chef collaborations on select dishes, drinks and desserts, and of course their buttermilk chicken sandwich will keep us coming back again and again…

We highly recommend!

Genuine Superette
191 Grand Street (at the corner of Mulberry Street)
New York NY 10013
Tel. 646 726 4633

Delaware and Hudson

January 12, 2015 by sk

When there is the promise of a fabulous meal, our motto is yes to planes, trains and automobiles. It’s worth the hike. Delaware and Hudson is such a place. This Brooklyn gem was recently awarded one Michelin star and well deserved! Great food, cozy atmosphere, it’s the perfect little date spot. Plus the seasonal/weekly $50 prefixe dinner is such a steal nowadays, you don’t have to break the bank in order to have a top notch evening.

We started with a selection of canapés – housemade mini pretzel rolls, salt cod croquettes, and swiss chard pie. Paired with house Cava, these little light and salty nibbles were the perfect start to the evening. The second course is one that we’ve been dreaming about ever since. Housemade pappardelle with goose ragu. SUBBBBLIME. Light, creamy, rich, meaty… Goose is the new duck ragu.

The main courses of black bass and short ribs were equally amazing. The combinations of textures and flavors had just the right balance of creativity and comfort. Nothing too out there and even though the dishes were seemingly simple – you know the chef spent hours preparing the dishes to appear effortless. The Michelin guys were spot on in awarding Delaware and Hudson a star.

Dessert’s vanilla panna cotta and chocolate cake pairing was the perfect ending to an exceptional meal. Definitely adding this spot to my seasonal go-to list. Loving the fact that the menu will for sure be different (although craving the goose ragu right now!)

Delaware and Hudson
135 North 5th Street
Williamsburg
Brooklyn, NY
tel. 718 218 8191

The Eddy

November 20, 2014 by sk

We silently wept when Jack’s Luxury Oyster Bar closed, but luckily chef Brandon McHale has reemerged with his new place called The Eddy. Anyone searching for the answer to that age ol’ question: where is that perfect little New York date-spot that won’t break the bank? The Eddy is it. Not only does it check all the requisite boxes—great cocktails, great ambiance, great food—it’s also budget friendly and is in Manhattan! If you are tired of the ‘farm-to-table’ uber simplified menus around town, definitely check out The Eddy.

DineGirl being proper dining-girls, we started of with a cocktail and decided to splurge (an affordable splurge!) and get the tasting menu. We also added on a few specials which sounded irresistible, namely the foie gras toasts. The food at the Eddy is inventive but not too daring, and straddles the right balance of familiar to unfamiliar. Beef tendon puffs? When in doubt just consume…

With restaurant groups dominating our plates and wallets these days, it’s a refreshing to dine in a spot where you feel that the passion to create great food and we the diner’s experience comes first. We highly recommend this spot!

The Eddy
342 East 6th Street
New York NY 10003
Tel. +1 646 895 9884
theeddynyc.com

Yakitori Tora

October 14, 2014 by mk

Away from all the mega-resto-openings this season, a new yakitori joint recently opened up on Kenmare Street. The restaurant itself is tiny tiny, and very intimate. Diners perch side-by-side on one long bench or in the single table up front that seats maybe 6 people. The wood decor and open charcoal grilled kitchen give a warm vibe – perfect for those blizzardy bad hair snow days when you just want some Japanese bbq, a Sapporo and your best friend’s left ear to unload your problems.

We went during the first week’s soft opening to check it out – very pleasant experience. Price points seem a tad steep given that it’s “yakitori”, but this is not your hole-in-the-wall spot for college kids on a budget. The meats are all super organic and the execution is top notch. They are catering more towards the discriminating, foodie crowd, and the skill level really shines through. Highlights of the menu include the organic chicken, berkshire pork kakuni (slow simmered) and the creative desserts. Super authentic yet whimsical – with items such as fois gras onigiri on the menu. (We will try next time).

Tora is a great spot to go in small groups of 2 or 3 since you’ll be saddled up close together. Or, just snag the big table with a gaggle of friends. Great spot, we loved it and will be back.

Yakitori Tora
72 Kenmare Street
New York NY 10013
Tel. +1 212 966 1100

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