Right on MacDougal, The Up & Up is a hidden gem. It’s easy to miss — you have to go downstairs into a relatively spacious dark room. First, outside, there is usually someone who puts you down on the waiting list. I am surprised that there is usually almost always a bit of a wait,…
Tag: Cool
Spicy Moon – East Village
Spicy Moon is a relatively low-key whole-in-the-wall joint in the East Village, and actually happens to be right in the heart of the Ukrainian village. The place is rather small and casual, but nonetheless has a very comfortable and home-like vibe. The service and owners seem very caring, pleasant, and overall the vibe left a…
The Polo Bar – Midtown East
The Polo Bar has easily risen as one of my favorite restaurants in New York City. Elegantly designed by Ralph Lauren’s taste, the restaurant is ordained in handsome and classy brown leather, green plaid, and plenty of horse-related decor. A reservation is absolutely essential. Perhaps you could squeeze yourself in if you are truly lucky,…
Bar Bacon – Midtown West
I stumbled upon Bar Bacon as a local joint near Terminal 5, a common concert venue in Midtown. The name was interesting and the menu was even more interesting. The place is a bar with plenty of tables available to have a full meal as well. Upon arrival, there is a huge, thick brown door…
Nhà Minh – Brooklyn
Near the concert venue Brooklyn Steel lies a small restaurant called Nhà Minh, a Vietnamese joint that — at first — seems rather questionable. The place seems to be more of a small shack than any formal dining experience. It fits the hipster Brooklyn vibe very well. Upon entry, I wasn’t sure what to expect,…
One North – Jericho
I heard of One North, but I was not expecting much — maybe a nice, small, and modern Mediterranean joint. I had never passed it or seen it, despite driving around this area constantly. However, upon arrival, I was pleasantly surprised and the place immediately exceeded my expectations. One North is tucked away in a…
Catch – Chelsea
I have wanted to go to Catch for years now, and finally I have accomplished my goal on Valentine’s Day. Catch is located right in the middle of Chelsea, although it was not always easy to find. It is located on the second floor of a building, over Sephora. Catch has always been known for…
Onegin – Greenwich Village
Onegin is a beautiful Russian restaurant in Greenwich Village with fabulous interior decor. The most noteworthy part of the interior was the ceiling, with verses written that are likely from Russian author Alexander Pushkin. The name of the restaurant comes from one of Pushkin’s novels, Eugene Onegin. The entire interior is beautifully decorated, actually. The…
Taras Bulba – SoHo
Taras Bulba is on West Broadway right by the heart of SoHo. I never noticed this restaurant before, but the entryway is very inviting and intriguing. The restaurant is Ukrainian with plenty of old-school Eastern European decor, and waitstaff dressed in traditional outfits. There is live music in the evening around 8 PM. There is…
Sen Sakana – Midtown
Go make a reservation! You can’t… This restaurant actually isn’t even open yet. You can’t go even if you wanted to, unless you wait until their official opening in the Fall. Sen Sakana is a new fashion restaurant that is opening in Midtown, and it interestingly fuses both Japanese and Peruvian cuisine. There is no…
Salvation Burger – Midtown East
My friend and I have been talking about going to Salvation Burger ever since our eyes set on all the Instagrams and video by InsiderFood. Well, we finally made it to Salvation Burger one fine evening, and it was nothing short of amazing. The restaurant itself has a very chill vibe. The waitstaff is all kind…
Sugar Factory – Chelsea
For a long time, I have wanted to wander into the famous Sugar Factory for one of these mystical bubbly sugary drinks. Finally, on one rainy evening for a dear friend’s birthday, the deed was done. Sugar Factory is right next to the High Line, so it’s great for an all-around experience of Chelsea. Upon entry,…
Gabby's Choice 