First Course New York

Be Sweet NYC

Fri, 17 May 2013 11:50:00 -0400

The city can be an unforgiving and unfriendly place to work and live. Since we all have our own agendas and jam packed calendars, our manners oftentimes fall by the wayside. We’re all guilty of it. You’ve held the close door button in the elevator to skip over floors and you’ve hopped in a cab someone else hailed. We’ve all done things that aren’t so sweet to our fellow New Yorkers. Austin-based Sweet Leaf Tea has set up an interactive campaign on the High Line under the Chelsea Market Passage (16th Street and Tenth Avenue) to help change that. Sweet Leaf Tea is on a mission to encourage Big Apple residents to spread kindness throughout our community.

The interactive Be Sweet Out There campaign kicks off today, from 10am until 8pm, with an art installation created with the philosophy of paying it forward in mind. Made up of 3,000 magnetic Sweet Leaf Tea bottle caps each with an “Act of Sweetness” printed on the reverse side. The caps asks people commit sweet acts like hailing a cab for a stranger, paying for a co-worker’s coffee, giving someone directions, and tons more. After all the magnets have been removed a Sweet Leaf Tea mural will be revealed but the being sweet doesn’t end there. Throughout the summer months, and at Governor’s Ball, which Sweet Leaf Tea is a sponsor, you can expect to see the Sweet Leaf Be Sweet team out there committing random acts of kindness. Hopefully, the team will be out and about the next time there’s a thunderstorm and you forgot an umbrella! For now though, stop by the High Line today for your random act of sweetness prompt and to redeem your free bottle Sweet Tea Leaf’s delicious teas (we LOVE the Lemon & Lime Unsweet Tea).

Get caught being sweet by using the hashtag #sweetacts

New York City's Meatless Wonders

Thu, 16 May 2013 12:53:00 -0400

Whether we eat meat or not, we can still appreciate a good vegan or vegetarian dish. In fact, a lot of times we find ourselves completely satisfied with a vegan meal if it’s done right. This week Joonbug hit up a ton of vegan restaurants around NYC in search of our favorites. Lets take a look at our top 3...

Loving Hut (348 Seventh Avenue)

Loving Hut is a super casual, very small, dine-in or take-out restaurant with New York locations in Chelsea and one soon to open in Williamsburg. They have a diverse and plentiful selection of vegan dishes ranging from Stir-fry Teriyaki to Veggie Burritos, Mac n’ Cheese (not real cheese of course), and Veggie Burgers. Check out their menu here and make sure you drop by if you feel like going on a vegan adventure.

Peacefood Cafe (460 Amsterdam Avenue)

This vegan cafe just opened their second location near Union Square (41 East 11th Street). Peacefood Cafe's flagship location is on the Upper West Side. There’s only one thing to say about this place…Fried Seitan Medallion Panini with a side of Chickpea Fries! These items alone make this place an unquestionable favorite. They also have some really delicious desserts and beverages, the Strawberry Shortcake and the cup of Apple Ginger Soy are both genius innovations of flavor.

Gobo (1426 Third Avenue)

Gobo is located on the Upper East Side and in the West Village. We recommend Gobo's West Village location (401 Avenue of the Americas); it has a much nicer ambiance. In terms of the food, it was so delicious that we forgot we were at a vegan restaurant. Gobo has an Asian-influenced menu that offers small plates and large plates so it’s perfect for sharing and trying more of a variety of dishes. We suggest the slow-cooked Malaysian Curry, the Tempura Shitake Caps in Mashed Sweet Potatoes and Raisins, and smoked Beijing-style Seitan with Chinese Broccoli.

Just because your meal wasn't prepared with meat, eggs, or dairy that doesn’t mean it can’t be good. Try something new at one of these restaurants; you might discover an appreciation for vegan food!

Gin Rising: The Spirit of the Moment

Wed, 15 May 2013 18:04:00 -0400

Gin is the spirit of the moment with a rising popularity in jazz nights happening at venues around the city and the huge success of Baz Luhrmann’s The Great Gatsby in theaters now. What better time than when gin-based cocktails are making a comeback in a huge way than to introduce Geranium London Dry Gin? Gin is hugely popular across the pond but many drinkers here in the states tend to gravitate toward vodka and rums. Henrik Hammer, a Danish gin expert and founder of Geranium Gin is hoping to change that with his craft spirit.

Produced and distilled in England, Geranium Gin was created by Henrik and his father in Denmark, and has gone on to be the highest-awarded gin in the world winning half a dozen worldwide competitions since 2010. As recently as two weeks ago, Geranium Gin won Gold at the Wine and Spirits Wholesalers of America spirit tasting, so obviously this pair of Danes are onto something. To debut Geranium Gin in New York, on Thursday, May 16th, Henrik will be joined by Peter Altenburg, a fellow Dane and restaurateur (GILT and Butch & Hog in Copenhagen), at Manhattan’s only Danish restaurant, Aamanns-Copenhagen. Altenburg, who is known for his years of working with Nordic botanicals, berries, fruits, and means of processing, and mixing cocktails to perfection is an ideal and knowledgeable guest bartender for the event. Henrik, Peter, and the team at Aamanns-Copenhagen have compiled a selection of Nordic-inspired cocktails that will be available tableside and at the bar from 7pm until 10pm.

Interested in trying out Nordic cuisine for the first time (we sure are!) paired with a gin and tonic that won an award for literally being the best G&T at the Imbibe G&T Competition in 2010? Then this splashy cocktail party is a must!

To check out Aamanns-Copenhagen's menu of seasonal specials and smørrebrød, click here.

Aamanns-Copenhagen is located at 13 Laight Street in Tribeca

Party like Gatsby

Wed, 15 May 2013 16:36:00 -0400

Enter a world of lavish parties, glamorous women, and the most powerful and influential men in existence. The fictional life lived by Jay Gatsby is the thing of literary legend. With the success of the recent reboot of The Great Gatsby, which premiered with an opening box office earnings of $50.1 million, has been one of the most talked about films of the summer. From the flapper fashion to the unnecessary 3-D effects and the fabulous soundtrack, The Great Gatsby has been on the tip of everyone’s tongue since the film encountered some issues prerelease. Thanks to the success of the film, and the fact that everyone was assigned the F. Scott Fitzgerald novel at one time or another, people get enough to Jay Gatsby and the grand parties thrown at his West Egg, Long Island home, and restaurants around NYC have stepped up to the plate, literally, to other diner’s the a glimpse into the luxurious libations and meals savored by the socialites of the Gold Coast in the 1920s.

S PRIME (35-15 36th Street, LIC)

Blue Point oysters on the half shell, sourced directly from the Long Island Sound, were all the rage during the 1920s. Every Tuesday through Friday from 4pm to 9pm and Saturday from 4pm to 7pm, guests at S PRIME can enjoy these delightful sea snacks for just a dollar a piece. S PRIME also serves Oysters Rockefeller, an incredibly popular dish of the era.

Sarabeth’s Tribeca (339 Greenwich Street)

Inspired by the extravagant garden parties common in Gatsby’s world, Sarabeth’s Tribeca location will be serving signature 1920’s bar snacks. The staple bar snacks of the era served up by Sarabeth’s will include delectable Deviled Eggs, Mussels steamed in brandy and a tomato-basil broth, and Baked Clams with marjoram, shallot, and lemon.

Let’s be honest, the cocktails of the Roaring ‘20s are really what we’re after to party in the same sophisticated style as Daisy Buchanan. The Great Gatsby takes place during 1922 in the midst of Prohibition. Chances are Gatsby was getting liquor deliveries under the radar and most likely served moonshine and bathtub gins, at his parties. Nowadays moonshine is still a hot commodity with the cult following of shows like Moonshiners and legal moonshine brand, Midnight Moon.

The Strand Smokehouse (25-27 Astoria)

In the Hedges, made with Midnight Moon Moonshine house-infused ‘gin’ with rosemary and juniper, Brooklyn Soda Works’ Lemon Thyme Soda, and a fresh thyme swizzle.

Angolo SoHo (53 Grand Street)

The drink of choice in the ‘20s was undeniably gin. Angolo SoHo has a selection of nearly ten different gins including Greenhook produced right in Brooklyn and Averell Plum, a gin produced in upstate New York.

Black Hound Bar & Lounge(301 South End Avenue)

Known for their resident mixologists, Jeremy Strawn’s extraordinary cocktails, has created a Jay Gatsby garden party cocktail made of the ever popular spirit, gin, lavender-honey, mint, and grapefruit bitters.

Ken and Cook(19 Kenmare Street)

To celebrate all things Gatsby, Ken and Cook’s mixologists have created five cocktails for diners to enjoy the spirit of the era and what better way to do that than with some spirits? All five are gin-based and include ingredients such as honey syrup (Bees Knees), lime juice (Gin Rickey, Prankster, etc), absinthe (Corpse Recover 2) and Cointreau (White Lady, etc.).

Charlemagne Reigns Over the West Village

Tue, 14 May 2013 14:24:00 -0400

The name of this newly opened West Village brasserie, Charlemagne, may ring a bell if you were paying any attention in History class in high school. Back in the Eighth Century, King Charlemagne reigned over most of Europe and united the region as the Holy Roman Empire. Just like Charlemagne did for Europe, Executive Chef Jodi Bernhard, along with owner and veteran restaurateur Vanessa Repice (Sel et Gras), have set out to unite the culinary traditions of Europe and America under one roof. Nestled in a gorgeous corner space between Greenwich and Christopher Streets in the West Village, Charlemagne offers diners a new take on French-American cuisine with both American and Spanish influences. The unique corner space allows for plenty of natural light and encapsulates the Greenwich Village Historic District that Charlemagne lies on the cusp of.

The interior of Charlemagne is Edwardian-inspired featuring two walls of windows wrapped in antique brick and reclaimed mahogany as well as the original turn-of-the-past-century honeycomb tile floor. Adding to the old world charm of Charlemagne is the center piece of the dining room, a restored tin chandelier set with in the recess of a partially restored tin ceiling. With quiet street views from practically every table, diners have the opportunity to enjoy traditional raw bar selections like clams, oysters, and lobster cocktails, as well as the Spanish-style raw bar where seafood selections are cooked “a la plancha” meaning seafood is grilled slightly and served simply with either salsa, verde herb sauce, or olive oil and sea salt.

Signature menu items include an updated version of a very traditional bistro dish, Leeks Vinaigrette. Traditionally a dish that incorporates French elements with a Spanish ingredient, Leeks Vinaigrette is made using young spring onions or calcots, similar to baby leeks or scallions, that are char-grilled and then steamed in newspaper until tender. Charlemagne’s version char-grills and steams the leeks the traditional way but marinates the leeks in Dijon vinaigrette beforehand. After the leeks are tender, the dish is served with a romesco sauce of red pepper, chili flakes, almonds, sherry vinegar, bread, olive oil, and Spanish paprika. Other starter plates include the vegan Tomato Tartare with Catalan aioli, Calamari Bravas with smoky tomato sauce and chili pepper aioli, and a Spring Onion Soup with goat cheese crostini.

Entrees include a steaming hot pot of the classic French dish Moules Frites with a choice of three sauces (white wine, garlic and herb, or pernod cream) accompanied by a side of French fries and delicious French bread for dipping. Other entree highlights include a half Roast Chicken with spinach-ricotta dumplings, Wild Mushroom Fettucini with taleggio and cracked pepper, and a Fava Bean Risotto with serrano ham and grana padano. A nice feature to the Charlemagne menu is the Plats du Jour entrees. For example, Monday is Roast Suckling Pig night while Friday is Fish & Chips and Saturday is Smoked Beef Ribs. The dessert options at Charlemagne change daily so make sure to ask your server what’s on the menu. Offered daily is the Charlemagne Cheese Plate featuring select cheeses from France, Spain, New Hampshire, and Vermont.

To take a look at all the delicious European-American brasserie menu options available at Charlemagne, check out their website.

Charlemagne is located at 679 Greenwich Street on the corner of Christopher and Greenwich Street.

Red & White Bash

Fri, 10 May 2013 18:51:00 -0400

Wine lovers from around the world flooded into the Hudson Hotel last night to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the wino bible, Wine Enthusiast Magazine. The bi-level celebration’s was a belle époque meets carnival themed event, designed by Adam Aleksander, with a fitting red and white color scheme that was simply breathtaking. No detail of Wine Enthusiast’s Red and White Bash was overlooked from the activities for guests to experience to the live entertainment enjoyed by all. While tasting over ninety varieties of the world’s best wines, guests snacked on a charcuterie plate and anti-pasti salad offerings all of which were paired perfectly to the large wine selection.

If you’re unfamiliar with the term belle époque the term refers to a period of time in France at the turn of the last century made infamous to our generation by tjhe film Moulin Rouge. Think burlesque, lots of flowing wine, champagne and absinthe, and over the top outfits. In every corner of the Hudson Hotel’s basement event space, Good Units, was something to further create the theatrics of belle époque France. The Red and White Bash included a photo shoot area where guests could pose with parasails, oversized bottles of champagne, feathered fans, and more. Set up near coat check was a “primping station” where guests were welcomed to sitting down to be made over with a variety of style-defining hair accessories, broaches, and boutonnieres, stunning makeup applications and hairstyles at the hands of the aestheticians from Kropps and Bobbers on Ludlow Street. When just wandering around the event space you’d run into another detail that made the entire night feel that much more spectacular. Dressed as a belle époque-era cigarette girl, Laura Lee Gulledge (who drew all of the spectacular promotional artwork for the event) was creating customizable pen and ink caricature wine tags. Her free hand drawings was made by using your thumbprint as a face along with your response to ‘how wine makes you feel.’ Encouraged to arrived dress to match the vintage décor of the event, guests also listened to the big room band Michael Arenella and his Dreamland Orchestra who kept the crowd swinging and swigging while up above the crowd, in an illuminated thumbnail moon, was a sexy burlesque aerialist.

A hundred percent of proceeds raised from ticket sales for Wine Enthusiast’s Red and White Bash were donated to Wine to Water. A non-profit organization, Wine to Water helps to provide clean drinking water to communities that do not have appropriate access to clean water sources. The organization has projects in Uganda, Sudan, Syria, Cambodia, and other nations that benefited from the digging of wells, the distribution of ceramic or bio-sand water filters, and the construction of water systems.

To learn more about Wine to Water's mission, check out their website.

A Meal Fit for a Queen

Thu, 09 May 2013 16:00:00 -0400

In most households moms are masters of the kitchen—always knowing the perfect meal to prepare for when you’re feeling down or sick, to celebrate an accomplishment or special occasion, or just a favorite dish that brings everyone to the table no matter their busy schedules. Show your mom how much she means to you and how much you appreciate all she’s done, and cooked, over the years by treating her to a delicious dinner on Sunday, May 12th. Enjoy each other's company at one of these delicious NYC restaurants that are sure to get mom’s coveted seal of approval at first bite of their Mother’s Day prix fixe menus and specials.

Bouley (163 Duane Street)

Treat your foodie mom to the Mother’s Day prix fixe menu at Bouley for $135 or $240 with wine pairings. The menu features such culinary delights as Porcini Flan with Alaska live Dungeness crab and black truffle dashi, a Black Cod glazed with elderflower honey served with raspberry vinegar and mint pesto. End your meal with a sweet serving of Raspberry, Pistachio & Walnut Parfait with raspberry sauce, rose sorbet, and Bulgar wheat ice cream.

Tocqueville Restaurant (1 East 15th Street)

For a mom who loves farmer markets and everything green market-inspired, the Mother’s Day Brunch ($64) or Dinner ($75) prix fixe menus are the perfect way to start or end your Mother’s Day celebration. The brunch menu features a Greenmarket Hash & Double Smoked Bacon with poached araucana eggs, ramps, herb crème fraiche, and grilled sourdough bread as well as a Truffle Creamy Parmesan Grits & Sunny-Side Up Country Egg with house cured veal bacon. If you attend dinner instead you can expect Seared Diver Sea Scallops and Foie Gras with wild mushrooms, braised artichokes, and cider vinegar gastrique or a Lavender Skewered Arctic Char with gingered spaghetti squash, Tokyo turnips, Thumbelina carrots, and a champagne tarragon emulsion.

Hospoda (321 East 73rd Street)

If you find yourself on the Upper East Side on Mother’s Day and are looking for something outside the usual ethnic culinary varieties, Hospoda, a modern Czech restaurant is a great alternative. Hospoda will feature a 3-course prix fixe brunch and dinner menu featuring dishes such as Home-made Cauliflower Ravioli with porcini mushrooms and pickled ramps and a Cherry Wood-Smoked Hudson Valley Duck Breast.

Benares Tribeca (45 Murray Street)

Want to treat your mom to a trip to India? It’s as easy as heading to Tribeca on Mother’s Day to have an authentic Indian meal at Benares Tribeca. Chef Beck pays homage to all 28 states of the subcontinent and has created a menu for Mother’s Day with a la carte specials with mom in mind. These dishes include the Shami Kebab, pan-seared ground lamb and lentil patties flavored with Indian spices, the Jehangiri Murgh, tender oven-baked chicken breast gushing with goat cheese and sun dried tomatoes, topped with a char magaz and spinach sauce. For dessert, Chef has prepared a traditional Mithai, a plate of assorted Indian sweets.

ilili (236 Fifth Avenue)

Mother’s Day is a special occasion close to Chef Philippe Massoud’s heart so much so that he created a special Apricot Almond Cake that honors how his mother encouraged him to bake. Don’t skip to dessert just yet though! Chef Massoud created an a la carte brunch menu for ilili as well but didn’t just stop there. All moms will receive a complimentary St-Germain Champagne cocktail and an herb plant to take home. Mother’s Day specials, in addition to the normal a la carte brunch menu, will include Hummus & Ramps, Soft Shell Crab with harissa carrot puree and an avocado semolina crust, and a Wild Spring Salmon with finca la capallenia olive oil, young almonds, and grapefruit sauce vierge. Besides special treats and dishes, there will also be a coloring station in the lounge for kids to give mom a break!

Hey Mambo (487 Amsterdam Avenue)

For those on a budget, but who still want to treat mom to a wonderful brunch in a charming outdoor garden, Hey Mambo is the ideal spot for brunchers on Mother’s Day. For $20 each you and mom will enjoy an al fresco 3-course prix fixe brunch featuring one complimentary Mimosa or Bloody. The menu features an assortment of soups and salads, an Italian-inspired dishes such as Eggs Florentine, a French-inspired Brioche French Toast. Be thankful for your siblings’ existence—parties of 3 or more, mom’s meal is completely free!

Smoke Jazz & Supper-Club Lounge (2751 Broadway)

Take mom up to South Harlem to indulge in the smooth tunes of the soulful veteran jazz vocalist Annette St. John and her trio while enjoying Smoke Jazz & Supper Club’s delicious southern-inspired brunch menu. Executive Chef Patricia Williams has cooked up a menu featuring Lobster Benedict served with tater tots and organic baby greens, Short Rib Hash with sunny side up eggs and horseradish sauce, and Buttermilk Fried Chicken with Waffles and honey butter. There is no cover charge for Annette’s three sets (11:30am, 1pm & 2:30pm).

Armani Ristorante (717 Fifth Avenue, 3rd Floor)

Does your mom have a bit of a shopping habit that needs to be addressed? Well, at Armani Ristorante she can splurge on herself downstairs (you can spoil your mom too, of course) in the Armani boutique before heading upstairs to Armani Ristorante. The Festa Della Mamma prix fixe menu features three courses of delicious Italian fare with options like Insalata Di Finocchi, a shaved fennel and escarole salad, Robbiola cheese dressing, parmigiano, and black Gaeta olives, Branzino Selvaggio, a slow-roasted wild sea bass with arugula salsa verde and trevisano, and for dessert a Il Semifreddo Alla Pesca Bianca, prepared with white peach semifreddo with tartare of fresh fruits and berries.

Madison Square EATS

Mon, 06 May 2013 15:21:00 -0400

The sight of the bright floral-print Marimekko umbrellas clustered in Worth Square intersection between Broadway, Fifth Avenue and 25th Street means spring has finally arrived—especially for those who lunch daily in the Flatiron District. The bi-annual outside food market, Madison Square Eats, which kicked off a month of tasty eats on Friday, May 3rd, features thirty of the most popular eateries in the city. The pop-up food market is perfect for an al fresco lunch or dinner featuring both brick and mortar restaurants as well as food trucks. From now until May 31st you can try your best to eat your way through Worth Square sampling dishes from returning Madison Sq. Eats alums such as ASIADOG, Mighty Balls, Roberta’s, Nunu Chocolates, Momofuku Milk Bar, ilili, Mayhem & Stout and market newcomers, Dreamscoops Ice Cream, Eleni’s New York, Mason Jar NYC, MMM ENFES, Mrs. Dorsey’s Kitchen, SEOUL LEE BAR B CUE, Sunday Gravy NYC, and Third Rail Coffee.

Madison Square Eats is open from 11am to 9pm daily from now until May 31st.

May 6th: Drink Better Tequila Day

Mon, 06 May 2013 12:04:00 -0400

Coming off the heels of Cinco de Mayo, many might be thinking twice about inviting tequila to the party. If your head hurts, your mouth is dry, and your liver is crying: you probably overdid it. Next time, celebrate in style with a luxury sipping tequila like Casa Dragones, your body will thank you.

Whiskey and scotch have some stiff competition these days. Luxury brands are crafting sipping spirits from rum to tequila that will easily compete with their caramel-colored counterparts. One of our favorites to hit the market is the high-end sipping tequila Casa Dragones.

No lime or salt should come near this refined tequila. Casa Dragones is flecked with hints of spice, illuminated by florals and goes down as a seriously smooth spirit. This tasty tequila has quickly become the darling of top chefs everywhere. From Thomas Keller to Eric Ripert and Daniel Boulud, serious toques are tipping their hat to Casa Dragones.

Each bottle of Casa Dragones is made from pure crystal that has been signed and individually engraved. While the packaging is stunning, the true gem lies within. Handcrafted in Tequila, Mexico, Casa Dragones is a small batch tequila made with 100% Blue Agave Joven. This innovative tequila was co-founded by Bertha González Nieves, the first woman ever to be accredited as a Maestra Tequilera. Each bottle is hand-finished by Casa Dragones’ Maestro Tequilero with an extra hint of añejo to balance out the platinum tequila.

Head to Casa Dragones’ site to check out their Select Chef Pairings series featuring exclusive Casa Dragones pairings from top chefs and restaurants, and see what pepper prince Bobby Flay has to say about this tasty tequila.

Booze Carriage

Fri, 03 May 2013 17:03:00 -0400

The best part of living in a major metropolis is take out delivery service from essentially any restaurant especially now that sites like Seamless and GrubHub are so popular. Even if you don’t live in a major city there’s hardly a need to go outside anymore. Need toothpaste and shampoo? Drugstore.com’s got you covered. Need groceries but don’t feel like going aisle by aisle picking up what you need? There’s Fresh Direct and other similar services. So what if you’re throwing together a last minute Cinco de Mayo party? Thanks to BoozeCarriage.com, an online New York City alcohol delivery service, servicing Manhattan and parts of Brooklyn and Queens, you won’t have to run to the grocery store, liquor store, and party store for your spontaneous fiesta.

For $99 Booze Carriage offers a premium holiday package designed just for Cinco de Mayo! Delivered in 30-60 minutes the Cinco de Mayo package includes two 24-cases of any Mexican beer (choose from the obvious cervesas like Corona and Dos Equis to brews that may be off your radar like Sol, Modelo, and Tecate), Santitas tortilla chips, Sabra guacamole, La Costena salsa, sombreros and maracas, and the guest of honor at your Cinco de Mayo fiesta—a full-size cardboard cutout of the World’s Most Interesting Man!*

Booze Carriage isn’t just the ideal delivery service for impromptu get togethers but is also great for when you don’t have time to run out and grab wine to serve at your dinner party or a case of beer, or even a keg, to have while watching the game. Booze Carriage is the perfect gift idea as well. Top shelf liquor always makes a great gift and BoozeCarriage.com carries a selection of spirits for every occasion and price point. Nothing is worse than trying to prepare for your party than forgetting to run to the liquor store, it's bad enough that you have to clean up your apartment before, and after. With one less thing to worry about though you’re free to wait for your guests without the stress of running around trying to remember last minute tasks. Delivery is free and fast, arriving at your doorstep in about half an hour to an hour, depending on where you live, with no markups or ordering fees tacked on to the overall price of what you order. Outside of your generosity to Booze Carriage couriers all you pay is the bottle price.

Orders for Cinco de Mayo are now taking place.

To find out more about BoozeCarriage’s liquid offers for your next shindig, check out their website.

*While supplies last.