In Mexico, Pacifico is a beer, but on the corner of Pacific and Smith Streets it is a Mexican oasis amidst a sea of Asian and Italian restaurants. With string lighting and clay tiles adorning the walls, it's hard to remember Pacifico is in Brooklyn.
The menu lists classic Mexican favorites like enchiladas, fajitas, and tacos as well as new twists such as chorizo steamed mussels, macaroni and cheese, and crab cakes. Each appetizer, entree, and side dish rings in at $15 or less to keep your wallet and your belly full.
However, the real allure of Pacifico is not the food. Sangria is offered in both red and white versions in varying sizes of pitchers. The house margaritas have the strength of twenty Mexicans and, if you're not careful, will knock you out of your chair. Order a solo margarita for $6 or a pitcher to share with a lot of friends for $32. During happy hour from 4pm-7pm Monday through Friday, enjoy a margarita for just $4 or a bottle of beer for $3. Happy hour specials are good at the bar and tables, so feel free to sit on the patio or in one of the three cozy dining areas.
Weekend Brunch also offers great drinks specials with Bloody Marys, margaritas, and draft and bottle beers for $4 and mimosas and bellinis for $3 each.
Keep Pacifico on your radar for upcoming Cinco de Mayo, which is NOT Mexican Independence Day. They are rumored to have a raging party with great drink specials.
Subway Directions: Take the F or G trains to Bergen Street then walk two blocks North on Smith Street to Pacific Street. Or, take the A or C trains to Hoyt-Schermerhorn then walk three blocks South on Hoyt to Pacific, turn right and walk one block to Smith Street.
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Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Angry Wade's Will Make You Anything but Angry
...unless of course your team is playing poorly.
Angry Wade's, on the corner of Smith and Butler Streets, is such a "throwback" that it doesn't even have its own website. A veteran of Smith Street for 12 years, Angry Wade's remains a traditional sports bar unlike the newer yuppie and hipster bars that have popped up throughout the area in recent years. True to its roots, Angry Wade's is home to a long dark wood bar and rickety barstools, like any other dive sports bar in America. Even if there isn't a game, you can entertain yourself by enjoying the coin operated pool table or throw some darts.
With six flat screen TVs, and the beginning of baseball season, it is the perfect place to cheer your for your team. Sit at the bar with a buddy or gather your group at a table near the fireplace, order some munchies, a draft beer, and cheer on. The bar menu includes traditional bar food such as wings, mozzarella sticks, chicken fingers, jalapeño poppers, waffle fries, White Castle sliders, Tombstone pizzas, and the ever popular free popcorn. Each item is $6 or less, except the large pizza which is $9.
The fully stocked bar has a great selection of draft beers including Blue Moon, Brooklyn Lager, Guiness, Magic Hat, Stella Artois, and Bass, just to name a few. There is also an extensive list of whiskey and scotch, thirty different varieties to be exact, ranging in price from $7 to $35 a glass.
Angry Wade's happy hour specials are among the best in the neighborhood. On Monday through Friday from 3pm to 6pm and on Saturday and Sunday from 12pm to 3pm, draft beers and well drinks are 50% off. Now that's a happy hour.
Subway Directions: Take the F or G to Bergen Street then walk four blocks South on Smitih Street. The single story brick building on the corner is Angry Wade's. Enjoy.
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Thank you so much for your support!
Angry Wade's, on the corner of Smith and Butler Streets, is such a "throwback" that it doesn't even have its own website. A veteran of Smith Street for 12 years, Angry Wade's remains a traditional sports bar unlike the newer yuppie and hipster bars that have popped up throughout the area in recent years. True to its roots, Angry Wade's is home to a long dark wood bar and rickety barstools, like any other dive sports bar in America. Even if there isn't a game, you can entertain yourself by enjoying the coin operated pool table or throw some darts.
With six flat screen TVs, and the beginning of baseball season, it is the perfect place to cheer your for your team. Sit at the bar with a buddy or gather your group at a table near the fireplace, order some munchies, a draft beer, and cheer on. The bar menu includes traditional bar food such as wings, mozzarella sticks, chicken fingers, jalapeño poppers, waffle fries, White Castle sliders, Tombstone pizzas, and the ever popular free popcorn. Each item is $6 or less, except the large pizza which is $9.
The fully stocked bar has a great selection of draft beers including Blue Moon, Brooklyn Lager, Guiness, Magic Hat, Stella Artois, and Bass, just to name a few. There is also an extensive list of whiskey and scotch, thirty different varieties to be exact, ranging in price from $7 to $35 a glass.
Angry Wade's happy hour specials are among the best in the neighborhood. On Monday through Friday from 3pm to 6pm and on Saturday and Sunday from 12pm to 3pm, draft beers and well drinks are 50% off. Now that's a happy hour.
Subway Directions: Take the F or G to Bergen Street then walk four blocks South on Smitih Street. The single story brick building on the corner is Angry Wade's. Enjoy.
**** I have a new, actual writing job at examiner.com and would greatly appreciate your support THERE, i.e. commenting and subscribing at that page. I will continue to post my articles here, but please visit them on examiner.com as well.
This is the link to this article: http://www.examiner.com/x-43689-Brooklyn-Restaurant-Bars-Examiner~y2010m4d8-Angry-Wades-Will-Make-You-Anything-But-Angry
This is the link to my examiner.com page with all my written articles: http://www.examiner.com/x-43689-Brooklyn-Restaurant-Bars-Examiner
Thank you so much for your support!
Monday, March 22, 2010
Ethos - Greek food in Kips Bay
I have visited Ethos two times in the past four months, which is out of character for me. I tend to like trying new places often, but sometimes it's just best to go with what you know. Ethos is a traditional Greek restaurant in Kips Bay. However, it is no diner. This is Greek dining at it's finest.
The first time I visited to Ethos was for my 25th birthday party in November with eight of my nearest and dearest. I chose Ethos because of it's vegetarian friendly options, reasonable prices, and willingness to accommodate nine people on less than two weeks notice (my bad). The second time I dined at Ethos I went with just my boyfriend for a date night.
There is no bar at Ethos so diners who are waiting for a table have to wait outside or get really friendly near the door. Luckily, the host seated the first to arrive from my party, which wasn't even me. Our table quickly filled up as did the rest of the restaurant. There is not a lot of space to move around in Ethos, so once you are sitting, I suggest staying seated. Favorite dishes from the many ordered were the appetizer plate of olives, the tsaziki sauce, and the fried calamari. We also enjoyed the eggplant dish, lamb kebab, and grilled jumbo shrimp. They also have fresh whole fish to chose from and an assortment of Greek wines and beers. Dessert is always on the house (or at least it was for me) and is a delicious Greek pastry filled with creamy goodness. It is even possible to escape from Ethos on a Saturday night after an hour and a half having spent much less than what you would at comparable Turquoise on the UES.
The great thing about going to Ethos is I know I will be greeted by friendly waiters and served delicious food. I definitely want to visit during the warmer months as they have two garage doors facing the street that I have a feeling will be open to let the cool evening breezes flow through the restaurant, making it feel even more like an escape to Greece (which I someday hope to actually do).
The first time I visited to Ethos was for my 25th birthday party in November with eight of my nearest and dearest. I chose Ethos because of it's vegetarian friendly options, reasonable prices, and willingness to accommodate nine people on less than two weeks notice (my bad). The second time I dined at Ethos I went with just my boyfriend for a date night.
There is no bar at Ethos so diners who are waiting for a table have to wait outside or get really friendly near the door. Luckily, the host seated the first to arrive from my party, which wasn't even me. Our table quickly filled up as did the rest of the restaurant. There is not a lot of space to move around in Ethos, so once you are sitting, I suggest staying seated. Favorite dishes from the many ordered were the appetizer plate of olives, the tsaziki sauce, and the fried calamari. We also enjoyed the eggplant dish, lamb kebab, and grilled jumbo shrimp. They also have fresh whole fish to chose from and an assortment of Greek wines and beers. Dessert is always on the house (or at least it was for me) and is a delicious Greek pastry filled with creamy goodness. It is even possible to escape from Ethos on a Saturday night after an hour and a half having spent much less than what you would at comparable Turquoise on the UES.
The great thing about going to Ethos is I know I will be greeted by friendly waiters and served delicious food. I definitely want to visit during the warmer months as they have two garage doors facing the street that I have a feeling will be open to let the cool evening breezes flow through the restaurant, making it feel even more like an escape to Greece (which I someday hope to actually do).
The Black Duck - Jazz in Gramercy Park
How does one decide where to dine for NYC restaurant week? There are so many options and so many great menus to chose from. I always use restaurant week as an opportunity to explore new dining options. The most recent NYC restaurant week this past January I decided to do just that. I looked at the list of participating restaurants, narrowed it down based on location and cuisine, then started researching. I chose Black Duck because it had something unique that I have been dying to experience in NYC since forever ago; live jazz!
Black Duck has live jazz musicians every Friday and Saturday night starting at 9:30pm for no cover charge. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, you heard me right, no cover charge (are we still in NYC?). You don't even have to eat dinner here to enjoy the jazz. You can sit at the bar and enjoy a cocktail, or sit in one of the Queen Anne chairs up close and personal with the musicians while enjoying a bottle of wine with some friends. If jazz isn't your thing (how uncultured of you!) then enjoy classic James Bond movies playing on the flat screens at 8:00pm on Sunday nights. This is a classy place I tell you.
The restaurant is located on the ground floor of a restored 18th century brownstone, making it quintessentially NYC. It is connected to the Park South Hotel which resides in the brownstone and looks very swank. You can pick up some great discount coupons for Broadway shows and sightseeing tours in the lobby on your way to the restrooms, which are very well maintained I would like to add. I highly suggest reservations at Black Duck on the live jazz nights, even though the restaurant (until publishing of this post) remains a very well kept secret in NYC.
The food at Black Duck may have been overpowered by the amazing cabaret singer Lexy Casano. Everything was delightful save for two things. First, my fish portion from the regular menu (not the restaurant week prix fixe) was very small, even by normal serving size standards. Second, I ordered a white wine which the waitress poured into the red wine glass on the table, after she had placed the white wine glasses down. Then, after she poured, and I tasted, she removed the tasting glass, still with a fair amount of wine in it, and then poured into the empty white wine glass. Having worked in the restaurant business before, if I had made this mistake I would have asked the diner if she would like to hold on to the tasting glass until she was finished. Regardless, the wine lasted well past when we finished our food which left us a great excuse to linger at our table and listen to more jazz.
I will definitely be returning to Black Duck again, if not just for the jazz music. I highly recommend this restaurant to anyone who enjoys less conversation and more music while dining.
Black Duck has live jazz musicians every Friday and Saturday night starting at 9:30pm for no cover charge. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, you heard me right, no cover charge (are we still in NYC?). You don't even have to eat dinner here to enjoy the jazz. You can sit at the bar and enjoy a cocktail, or sit in one of the Queen Anne chairs up close and personal with the musicians while enjoying a bottle of wine with some friends. If jazz isn't your thing (how uncultured of you!) then enjoy classic James Bond movies playing on the flat screens at 8:00pm on Sunday nights. This is a classy place I tell you.
The restaurant is located on the ground floor of a restored 18th century brownstone, making it quintessentially NYC. It is connected to the Park South Hotel which resides in the brownstone and looks very swank. You can pick up some great discount coupons for Broadway shows and sightseeing tours in the lobby on your way to the restrooms, which are very well maintained I would like to add. I highly suggest reservations at Black Duck on the live jazz nights, even though the restaurant (until publishing of this post) remains a very well kept secret in NYC.
The food at Black Duck may have been overpowered by the amazing cabaret singer Lexy Casano. Everything was delightful save for two things. First, my fish portion from the regular menu (not the restaurant week prix fixe) was very small, even by normal serving size standards. Second, I ordered a white wine which the waitress poured into the red wine glass on the table, after she had placed the white wine glasses down. Then, after she poured, and I tasted, she removed the tasting glass, still with a fair amount of wine in it, and then poured into the empty white wine glass. Having worked in the restaurant business before, if I had made this mistake I would have asked the diner if she would like to hold on to the tasting glass until she was finished. Regardless, the wine lasted well past when we finished our food which left us a great excuse to linger at our table and listen to more jazz.
I will definitely be returning to Black Duck again, if not just for the jazz music. I highly recommend this restaurant to anyone who enjoys less conversation and more music while dining.
Monday, December 14, 2009
The Chelsea - Weekend Getaway from NY in Atlantic City
I should start by saying that the Chelsea tops the list of my favorite hotels. A newly renovated and updated former Holiday Inn located on the Boardwalk in Atlantic City, NJ, it boasts gorgeous decor reminiscent of the 20's in America exuding style, class, and luxury. The hotel is PURPLE, yes purple, the color of royalty, and that is exactly how any guest at this hotel feels from arrival to departure.
The Chelsea located on, da ha, Chelsea Avenue, is the only non-gaming hotel on the Boardwalk in Atlantic City allowing for a truly unique experience. The air is (thankfully) smoke free and the carpets, drapes, and furniture are not trying to hide the dirt brought in from the casinos. I can honestly say, that I can go to the Chelsea in Atlantic City and NEVER leave the hotel. They have everything. The rooms, for starters, are divine and follow through completely with the 1920's vibe. As for amenities, the Chelsea has valet parking and bell service, a knowledgeable concierge, not one but TWO restaurants (Chelsea Prime to be reviewed later in the article, and diner style Teplitzky's), a lounge and bar located on The Fifth Floor, a spa complete with steam rooms, sauna, and open all year round salt water outdoor pool (YES!), another pool ON THE ROOF!, retail shop, full service beach (seasonal), bike rental, boardwalk access, and more that I probably don't even know about.
I've stayed at the Chelsea two times, once in the main tower and one in the annex. The rooms in the annex are smaller and more dated (pink 70's bathroom anyone?) and are definitely not as luxurious as the main tower, but the bed (thank goodness) is the same plushy goodness. There is no flat screen TV (but really who goes to AC to watch TV?), there is no counter space in the bathroom (disappointing), and there is no water view (unless you count the pool). All the rooms have a balcony though (which the main tower doesn't have) which is a nice feature if visiting in the warmer months. However, I highly highly recommend staying on the pool side of the annex if you chose to stay there instead of in the main tower because the sounds from the street can be loud. Also, don't take your coat off before getting in the elevator because it is NOT heated and frigid (in the winter, I would think it would be OK in summer). Other than that, the room was perfect for our use and perfect for the price ($80 less than the tower with a special promotion). The option of staying in the annex or the main tower gives everyone the opportunity to experience this great hotel (with a sister hotel in Cape May NJ which I should mention). The only downside, le sigh, is that you cannot get room comps here, as it is not a gaming hotel, which I guess in the scheme of things isn't a downside at all. Keep in mind you will likely never get a free room here, but if you sign up for their mailing list you will always know when they are offering special deals and packages (and trust me, they're worth it).
My most recent visit to the Chelsea was for a one night getaway from NY on a Friday night. The drive took about three hours (with some traffic due to rush hour and road construction). Upon arriving at the hotel, the valet greeted us and helped us with our bags and then whisked the car away while we were gloriously greeted by heat lamps at the entrance to the hotel. The desk attendant informed us of all the great perks of the Chelsea, and then proceeded to sing happy birthday to my travel companion as it was his birthday, and the reason for our getaway. It was a very personal touch. The room was FREEZING when we got in, but I'm sure this was due to energy saving measures and the room heated up in a jiffy after blasting on high at 85 degrees for a couple of hours while we settled in and got ready for our dinner at Chelsea Prime, located on the Fifth Floor of the main tower of the hotel. One of the great things about Chelsea Prime is that you don't have to put on a coat to go to dinner! You just get in the elevator. In the winter, this is a blessing as the chill from the ocean is intense.
The ambiance at Chelsea Prime is breathtaking. The restaurant is black and white with old black and white photographs taken in Atlantic City lining the walls. The decor stayed true to the 20's theme of the hotel and each table had an oil lamp with a shade adorning it. The white leather booths are the table to ask for when making a reservation. You can see the whole restaurant and out the huge windows, which at sunset must be breathtaking.
Chelsea Prime is a traditional steakhouse with a variety of cuts to chose from along with fresh seafood, salads, caviar, and a raw bar. We had the oysters from the raw bar (a combination of east/west) which were perfect, although I would have preferred a little more horseradish. I had a baby greens salad with a dressing that tasted like no other dressing I've ever tasted. It was perfectly sweet and tart and not at all soggy. My companion ordered the from the prix fixe menu and received a chicken and dumpling soup that I swear had gnocchi in it (can we say YUM). My steak, an 8oz fillet (you can also order 10 or 12 oz fillets) was perfectly prepared with a slightly crunchy crust and a very tender inside. No sauce required, just how I like my steak. From the prix fixe (which changes often) the marinated skirt steak was to die for. The marinade was not showy and used the perfect blend of spices to bring out the natural flavors in the meat. The side of mashed potatoes and string beans were also tasty and not over buttered or overcooked. Dessert, oh lord, we had a warm chocolate truffle cake the I swooned for, and I don't like chocolate (supposedly). The plate had "Happy Birthday" written on it in chocolate ganache, and we ate that too, seriously. The Vueve Cliquot "Yellow Label" champagne was a great accompaniment to the whole meal (we love our bubbly) and was on the house with a stay in the hotel (coupon received at check in). Being fans of The Palm, Bobby Vans, and other major steakhouses in NY, Chelsea Prime was a great experience and one that we will repeat on our next visit to AC and stay in the Chelsea. We don't need to go out in the cold to The Palm over in the Tropicana (smoking, cough cough) when we have Chelsea Prime!
After dinner, and a bad decision to walk in the cold over to the Tropicana (a block away) to give some money to the casino (yes, we lost) we decided to go back to the Chelsea and spend the rest of the night there because, well, we love it. We went to the Fifth Floor where they have a lounge and bar which is super fun, and it's unfortunate that not more people coming to AC know about it! There is a coat check if you're coming from another hotel (which you should). There is a DJ playing hot tunes (and oldies!) which are great to dance to. You can order from the bar or get bottle service and you can sit anywhere you want, unlike those stuffy exclusive clubs in NY (which I am sorry to say I've frequented too often). I ordered a raspberry cosmopolitain (signature) which was perfect (it even had some OJ in it, just how I like it) but the margarita came (gasp) without salt and with too much sweet stuff (bleh). Oh well... I recommend a more experienced bartender. But, the best thing about the Fifth Floor lounge is that there is a PURPLE pool table, yes I said purple, and board and card games! So, while it's a "non-gaming" hotel, you can play your own way! We played "Man Bites Dog" a clever card game where you create news headlines and rack up your points until you win. Yes, we know we're dorks. They also had classics like Clue, Monopoly, and Backgammon. Unfortunately, we couldn't find writing utensils to keep our score, but it was still fun to come up with funny headlines. There is a balcony where people go to smoke (cough cough) and probably enjoy the weather when it's nice enough to enjoy. We went to the Fifth Floor New Year's Eve party last year and had so much fun that we probably shouldn't talk about it on the internets... Yes, it was that fun.
The next morning after oversleeping and being awoken by housekeeping (oops!) we ate brunch downstairs at Teplitzky's, a diner style restaurant. my eggs were perfect (over easy) though my bacon was a wee cold (maybe because I was in the bathroom when they brought it to the table) and my English muffin was late. But, the coffee, omgosh the coffee, is SO good, so good, so so good. And it comes in a big mug, not a little tea cup. Delicious.
Leaving the Chelsea is always the worst part, but, we know we'll be back again. I'm already planning our next visit!
The Chelsea located on, da ha, Chelsea Avenue, is the only non-gaming hotel on the Boardwalk in Atlantic City allowing for a truly unique experience. The air is (thankfully) smoke free and the carpets, drapes, and furniture are not trying to hide the dirt brought in from the casinos. I can honestly say, that I can go to the Chelsea in Atlantic City and NEVER leave the hotel. They have everything. The rooms, for starters, are divine and follow through completely with the 1920's vibe. As for amenities, the Chelsea has valet parking and bell service, a knowledgeable concierge, not one but TWO restaurants (Chelsea Prime to be reviewed later in the article, and diner style Teplitzky's), a lounge and bar located on The Fifth Floor, a spa complete with steam rooms, sauna, and open all year round salt water outdoor pool (YES!), another pool ON THE ROOF!, retail shop, full service beach (seasonal), bike rental, boardwalk access, and more that I probably don't even know about.
I've stayed at the Chelsea two times, once in the main tower and one in the annex. The rooms in the annex are smaller and more dated (pink 70's bathroom anyone?) and are definitely not as luxurious as the main tower, but the bed (thank goodness) is the same plushy goodness. There is no flat screen TV (but really who goes to AC to watch TV?), there is no counter space in the bathroom (disappointing), and there is no water view (unless you count the pool). All the rooms have a balcony though (which the main tower doesn't have) which is a nice feature if visiting in the warmer months. However, I highly highly recommend staying on the pool side of the annex if you chose to stay there instead of in the main tower because the sounds from the street can be loud. Also, don't take your coat off before getting in the elevator because it is NOT heated and frigid (in the winter, I would think it would be OK in summer). Other than that, the room was perfect for our use and perfect for the price ($80 less than the tower with a special promotion). The option of staying in the annex or the main tower gives everyone the opportunity to experience this great hotel (with a sister hotel in Cape May NJ which I should mention). The only downside, le sigh, is that you cannot get room comps here, as it is not a gaming hotel, which I guess in the scheme of things isn't a downside at all. Keep in mind you will likely never get a free room here, but if you sign up for their mailing list you will always know when they are offering special deals and packages (and trust me, they're worth it).
My most recent visit to the Chelsea was for a one night getaway from NY on a Friday night. The drive took about three hours (with some traffic due to rush hour and road construction). Upon arriving at the hotel, the valet greeted us and helped us with our bags and then whisked the car away while we were gloriously greeted by heat lamps at the entrance to the hotel. The desk attendant informed us of all the great perks of the Chelsea, and then proceeded to sing happy birthday to my travel companion as it was his birthday, and the reason for our getaway. It was a very personal touch. The room was FREEZING when we got in, but I'm sure this was due to energy saving measures and the room heated up in a jiffy after blasting on high at 85 degrees for a couple of hours while we settled in and got ready for our dinner at Chelsea Prime, located on the Fifth Floor of the main tower of the hotel. One of the great things about Chelsea Prime is that you don't have to put on a coat to go to dinner! You just get in the elevator. In the winter, this is a blessing as the chill from the ocean is intense.
The ambiance at Chelsea Prime is breathtaking. The restaurant is black and white with old black and white photographs taken in Atlantic City lining the walls. The decor stayed true to the 20's theme of the hotel and each table had an oil lamp with a shade adorning it. The white leather booths are the table to ask for when making a reservation. You can see the whole restaurant and out the huge windows, which at sunset must be breathtaking.
Chelsea Prime is a traditional steakhouse with a variety of cuts to chose from along with fresh seafood, salads, caviar, and a raw bar. We had the oysters from the raw bar (a combination of east/west) which were perfect, although I would have preferred a little more horseradish. I had a baby greens salad with a dressing that tasted like no other dressing I've ever tasted. It was perfectly sweet and tart and not at all soggy. My companion ordered the from the prix fixe menu and received a chicken and dumpling soup that I swear had gnocchi in it (can we say YUM). My steak, an 8oz fillet (you can also order 10 or 12 oz fillets) was perfectly prepared with a slightly crunchy crust and a very tender inside. No sauce required, just how I like my steak. From the prix fixe (which changes often) the marinated skirt steak was to die for. The marinade was not showy and used the perfect blend of spices to bring out the natural flavors in the meat. The side of mashed potatoes and string beans were also tasty and not over buttered or overcooked. Dessert, oh lord, we had a warm chocolate truffle cake the I swooned for, and I don't like chocolate (supposedly). The plate had "Happy Birthday" written on it in chocolate ganache, and we ate that too, seriously. The Vueve Cliquot "Yellow Label" champagne was a great accompaniment to the whole meal (we love our bubbly) and was on the house with a stay in the hotel (coupon received at check in). Being fans of The Palm, Bobby Vans, and other major steakhouses in NY, Chelsea Prime was a great experience and one that we will repeat on our next visit to AC and stay in the Chelsea. We don't need to go out in the cold to The Palm over in the Tropicana (smoking, cough cough) when we have Chelsea Prime!
After dinner, and a bad decision to walk in the cold over to the Tropicana (a block away) to give some money to the casino (yes, we lost) we decided to go back to the Chelsea and spend the rest of the night there because, well, we love it. We went to the Fifth Floor where they have a lounge and bar which is super fun, and it's unfortunate that not more people coming to AC know about it! There is a coat check if you're coming from another hotel (which you should). There is a DJ playing hot tunes (and oldies!) which are great to dance to. You can order from the bar or get bottle service and you can sit anywhere you want, unlike those stuffy exclusive clubs in NY (which I am sorry to say I've frequented too often). I ordered a raspberry cosmopolitain (signature) which was perfect (it even had some OJ in it, just how I like it) but the margarita came (gasp) without salt and with too much sweet stuff (bleh). Oh well... I recommend a more experienced bartender. But, the best thing about the Fifth Floor lounge is that there is a PURPLE pool table, yes I said purple, and board and card games! So, while it's a "non-gaming" hotel, you can play your own way! We played "Man Bites Dog" a clever card game where you create news headlines and rack up your points until you win. Yes, we know we're dorks. They also had classics like Clue, Monopoly, and Backgammon. Unfortunately, we couldn't find writing utensils to keep our score, but it was still fun to come up with funny headlines. There is a balcony where people go to smoke (cough cough) and probably enjoy the weather when it's nice enough to enjoy. We went to the Fifth Floor New Year's Eve party last year and had so much fun that we probably shouldn't talk about it on the internets... Yes, it was that fun.
The next morning after oversleeping and being awoken by housekeeping (oops!) we ate brunch downstairs at Teplitzky's, a diner style restaurant. my eggs were perfect (over easy) though my bacon was a wee cold (maybe because I was in the bathroom when they brought it to the table) and my English muffin was late. But, the coffee, omgosh the coffee, is SO good, so good, so so good. And it comes in a big mug, not a little tea cup. Delicious.
Leaving the Chelsea is always the worst part, but, we know we'll be back again. I'm already planning our next visit!
Friday, August 28, 2009
Mad River - Not the Ski Mountain
Apparently Mad River is a bar and grill, but I would know nothing about the grill aspect of this establishment as I went there late on a Wednesday night for the bar scene, and let me tell you, it was a SCENE! This place has all kinds of specials every day of the week, so definitely check out their website to see what is going on when you plan on going. They have trivia on Tuesdays, $20 open bar and $30 beer pong tournament on Thursdays, football deals on Sundays, and DJs nearly every night. You can have a private party here or even be a guest bartender. This place has everything and is a must go on any trip to NYC or even just up to the Upper East Side.
Mad River is located at 1442 Third Avenue at 82nd Street, in the heart of the Upper East Side's bar scene. The website lists that they are open until 4:00am (except on Sundays when they close at 12am), if that gives you any indication of what a hopping party it hosts. Dress however you want, just don't look like a bum. I was coming from a dinner with friends and we were all dressed to the nines and maybe stood out a little bit (which wasn't a bad thing!) but most poeple were in more casual duds, though I don't recall seeing any sneakers or baseball caps. There are doormen/bouncers but I don't think they'd turn you down for wearing sneakers, unless they were really dirty.
There is a large main bar and a small back bar on the ground level. The area in the back serves as a dance floor at night, where everyone crowds in and either dances or doesn't, but the DJ is so good you will find yourself tapping your feet at some point. I wasn't all that impressed with the flavor or quality of the drinks (keep in mind they're served in plastic cups), except that they did the job (they were strong, like whoa). It got very very hot with all the people so dress appropriately! Also, don't wear anything white or light colored as you will get drinks spilled all over you (and maybe someone will apologize about it).
Even though I left covered in booze, sweaty, and slightly wobbly in my wedges, I had the most amazing night, of course aided by good company. I will definitely go to this place again and can't wait to try some of their mid-week drink specials.
Mad River is located at 1442 Third Avenue at 82nd Street, in the heart of the Upper East Side's bar scene. The website lists that they are open until 4:00am (except on Sundays when they close at 12am), if that gives you any indication of what a hopping party it hosts. Dress however you want, just don't look like a bum. I was coming from a dinner with friends and we were all dressed to the nines and maybe stood out a little bit (which wasn't a bad thing!) but most poeple were in more casual duds, though I don't recall seeing any sneakers or baseball caps. There are doormen/bouncers but I don't think they'd turn you down for wearing sneakers, unless they were really dirty.
There is a large main bar and a small back bar on the ground level. The area in the back serves as a dance floor at night, where everyone crowds in and either dances or doesn't, but the DJ is so good you will find yourself tapping your feet at some point. I wasn't all that impressed with the flavor or quality of the drinks (keep in mind they're served in plastic cups), except that they did the job (they were strong, like whoa). It got very very hot with all the people so dress appropriately! Also, don't wear anything white or light colored as you will get drinks spilled all over you (and maybe someone will apologize about it).
Even though I left covered in booze, sweaty, and slightly wobbly in my wedges, I had the most amazing night, of course aided by good company. I will definitely go to this place again and can't wait to try some of their mid-week drink specials.
Carvel
I haven't been to Carvel in what feels like forever. I don't know why but I was craving a "Flying Saucer" (a fancy ice cream sandwich). So, I stopped into Carvel #2185 in Bridgehampton, NY, went to the freezer, grabbed a package of 6 already made Flying Saucers with vanilla ice cream and sprinkles of course, and took them home. I enjoyed, immensely. I cannot wait to eat the rest that are sitting in my freezer. My suggestion, invite 5 friends over for a Flying Saucer feast. Enjoy!
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