Big Eating in the Big Apple

While most of our dining experiences occur in the Boston area, this past weekend, we spent a day in New York City.  At the recommendation of Tim's boss (and owner of Cygnet Restaurant in Beverly Farms, MA), our first stop was Raoul's followed by a quick stop at Bubble Lounge (a champagne bar!) in Tribecca.  Finally, we stopped at the W Hotel where we had a midnight snack at Blue Fin.  Here is a run-down of the highlights from each dining experience.

City Club Hotel
Before we even get to the eating part of this blog, mention has to be made of our hotel.  The location was fabulous - about a block from Times Square - but so was most everything about it.  We got a complimentary upgrade to a queen room upon our arrival - quite a deal for a rate of $131 (taxes included) on a Saturday night!  Our room was funky and modern, but comfortable.  We had plenty of space for the two of us.  But...the best part may have been when room service hand delivered us chocolate chip cookies around 6 o'clock that night!  We will be back!

Raoul's 
What We Liked:  The atmosphere!  After exploring the website, we thought that Raoul's was going to be your typical French restaurant that took itself too seriously, but it was a recommendation and the menu looked good, so we ventured out.  When we arrived, we were pleasantly surprised that Raoul's was casual-upscale and funky, complete with an aquarium in the center of the restaurant and an iron, spiral staircase leading up to the restrooms (where you can also get a reading from a psychic - only in New York).  Just be careful on the staircase after sampling some of the tasty selections on the vino list!

Recommendations:  The Red Lentil Soup is a must-try! Soup was the perfect thing to eat on this frigid New York City evening.  The lentil flavor was complemented by Laughing Bird Shrimp and Romanesco Cauliflower...and absolutely tasty - not overpowering, but filling (quite a large portion).  We also decided to try the Artichoke Vinaigrette, which was a really unique presentation and simple, but delicious as well.  Finally, we tried the Glazed Beef Short Ribs.  The meat was cooked perfect, but the horseradish sauce was surprisingly sweet and made the meal extremely filling!

Bubble Lounge
What We Liked:  The bar.  Although the champagne bar offers varied funky, lounge-like tables and chairs, the back room, which is cozier and more lively, is often too full to be seated at.  With some luck, after spending some time at a front room (which is more like a hallway) table, we managed to find two bar seats, which provided us with a cozier and more intimate experience - and more attentive service.

Recommendations:  I (René) got a little adventurous and tried a drink from the champagne cocktail list - the Fraise.  It was sweet, but tasty and, of course, bubbly.  It was the perfect amount of both Prosecco and Stoli Strawberry.  One was more than enough, as I don't usually drink hard liquor or sweet drinks, so I opted to switch over to the Taittinger Cuvée Prestige and was not disappointed with this choice, either!  To complement our champagne, Tim and I sampled the Parmesan Popcorn.  You just can't go wrong with popcorn.

Blue Fin 
What We Liked:  The location.  Nestled in the heart of Times Square in the W Hotel, Blue Fin overlooks the bustle and lights of New York City.  On a Saturday night in New York City (it was around 11-ish), it was nice to be able to walk into a place, find two bar seats and a fabulous menu of sushi and appetizers!   

Recommendations:  Tuna Tartare.  (You will see a pattern with this order.)  Combine tuna and avocado any day, and we are happy campers.  

We did have one last stop before leaving New York City the next day.  After a great debate on whether to do brunch or lunch, we decided on lunch - specifically so we would not leave New York without having pizza.  It was another frigid day, and after some wandering around, we decided that it would be wise to jump in a cab and head over to Little Italy.

Cafe Napoli
What We Liked:  Being hungry, windblown, and freezing (did we mention that last part already?), our cab driver dropped us right in front of this little Italian spot (just one of many on a restaurant-lined street).  Immediately, a gentleman greeted us and practically ushered us in to his restaurant.  While not my most favorite means of finding a place to dine, he was nice, knowledgeable, and sold the place to us rather quickly.  Once inside, it was warm and cozy - and quite busy for an early Sunday afternoon.  They were accommodating to large and small parties and children and adults alike.  

Recommendations:  There were lunch specials, but we were determined to have pizza.  We ordered a simple margherita pizza and penne with spicy marinara sauce (you will often see a theme with this order on our blog as well).  Both lived up to and beyond expectations, but our number one recommendation would be to go with an appetite so you can indulge in the warm, toasted Italian bread they give you upon sitting down.  Add a little bit of red pepper flakes and parmesan cheese to the already flavored (rosemary) dipping oil they provide, and you will be perfectly content!


...So, that wraps up our first eating tour of New York.  It was a terrific first sample of some of the tastes the big City has to offer.  Two things we determined after our trip there: 1)  We will return. 2) Boston is our home, and you just can't beat some of our top favorite restaurants in our favorite place to live!