The Virgin Issue Release Party For Relapse Magazine at The Jazz Room at The General

199 BoweryLast night was the Relapse Magazine Virgin issue Release Party, at EMM Group‘s the Jazz Room at The General, with music by Vikas Sapra. When we first arrived, there was a great crowd already with MC2 Model Management hosting the event and Double Cross Vodka providing complimentary drinks. The party started out relaxed as guests were sitting all around the booths having conversations with others and some on the dancefloor mingling. Pretty soon, the whole room became packed and dancing ensued with Vikas Sapra’s amazing set ranging from electronic and rap to 80’s oldies music.  If you haven’t been to the Jazz Room at the General (formerly known as Bow) before, the interior decor is beautiful with elegant dark glossy walls and the intimate atmosphere makes it an excellent place to host any event.

199 Bowery

You can hear Vikas Sapra’s entire set from last night here!

 

New York City’s Toughest Doors

The Jane HotelWith a new year comes a new set of nightclubs opening up in New York City. So far, we have seen the new lounge from The Butter Group, aptly named The Spot, and who could forget the revamp of Strategic Group’s legendary Chelsea club Marquee. With even more clubs popping up, some could say that nightlife might be spreading itself a bit too thin. In the past year we’ve seen some more popular clubs with once exclusive door policies recently end up on deal websites, such as Gilt City, and others switching over to cover/capacity based door policies. Despite this, some clubs and lounges have been able to hold their own and still remain some of the most sought after places to gain entry to. With that ,we bring you New York City’s Toughest Doors at the moment. [Photo via]

Travis Bass#1. 415 Lafayette – After his once popular club Bow closed, Travis Bass teamed up with The Butter Group to open another pop-up club in the former Butter lounge. The new space is called 415 Lafayette and will feature some of Bass’ nightlife staples such as smoke machines, electronic music and of course a tough door policy. Since the space is small, capacity will be limited so we suggest arriving on the earlier side. 415 Lafayette will be open Wednesday through Saturday and, unlike Bass’ previous spots, these is an option to make a reservation before hand via email at reservations@415Lafayette.com. [Photo via]

The Standard Hotel#2. Top Of The Standard – Located at the top of The Standard Hotel in the Meatpacking District, this posh and elegant club has been one of the toughest lounges in New York City to get into for quite some time. While the privately hosted events here are some of the best in the city, the Top of the Standard can be a bit slow on regular nights. None the less, doorwoman Eli is quick to turn anyone down who isn’t either on the guest list or a regular. Frankly, the owners would rather keep the place empty than let those unfamiliar with the door staff inside. The cocktails are some of the best in the city and the bottle service menu is shockingly much less expensive than other comparable venues in the city. [Photo via]

Provocateur Cafe#3. Provocateur – This club located behind the Gansevoort Hotel is easily the best place in the city to go for those looking for deep house and electronic music. Owners Mike Satsky and Brian Gefter have created a versatile space by separating the venue into a more relaxed cafe and a high energy club. While the Provocateur may have opened a few years ago, the door policy is still as strict as ever. We hear a new doorwoman, Yelena, is now guarding the door alongside Ruby Munoz. While the door is tough, the party inside is worth the hassle as Provocateur is one of our favorite venues in New York City. [Photo via]

proenza-party-7_111242959247.jpg_carousel_parties#4. Le Baron – Andre Saravia’s hip French lounge is a favorite amongst those in the downtown scene. The club is known to host A list events such as the 21st birthday celebration of Wilhelmina Models’ RJ King. The relaxed upstairs lounge and the lively downstairs club creates a space that is great for having an all out party or just a drink with friends. While the door is far more lenient than when Le Baron first opened, the door staff now accepts bottle service requests, Julio does a good job of keeping sure the club stays exclusive and the crowd stays chic. If you don’t happen to get in, we suggest heading a few blocks to Apotheke to grab a cocktail. [Photo via]

199 Bowery#5. Finale – EMM Group’s latest club Finale has brought a bit of the Meatpacking District to the Lower East Side. We had a hard time choosing between Finale and Goldbar for the number 5 spot on our list, but Finale draws a larger crowd given the bigger space and getting the attention of the doorman, Luke, is nearly next to impossible if you’re not either a bottle client, a regular or a model. This relatively new spot has been known to host parties featuring top DJs such as Nervo and Zedd. While it may be tough to get inside due to the chaotic and strict door policy, the party inside Finale is top notch. [Photo via]

 

8 Best NYC Restaurants for Outdoor Dining

Meatpacking DistrictAfter the questionable weather these past few weeks, it’s safe to say that Spring is finally here. When the warmer seasons come around, it’s safe to say most people who eat out in New York City opt for outdoor seating. Especially during lunch and weekend brunch hours, popular restaurants in NYC are packed to the brim and waits for even a table for two can exceed over an hour. Of course there are the staple restaurants known for their sidewalk seating such as Pastis, Cafeteria and Sant Ambroeus‘ West Village outpost, but there are also other great lesser known options out there as well. Check out what we think some of the best New York City restaurants for outdoor dining are! [Photo via]

 

Nello Balan#1. Nello - While we’re certainly not putting Nello on our list of best Italian restaurants in the city anytime soon, the outdoor dining area is certainly one of the best in New York. Nello is the only al fresco dining option on the Upper East Side area known as the Gold Coast of (57th Street to 72nd Street on Madison Avenue). The refined Italian menu is pretty consistent and so are the high prices. While a plate of pasta costs upwards of $40 and ordering an entree less than $50 just isn’t going to happen, you do get to have lunch or dinner at the best outdoor real estate on the Upper East Side. It may not be a regular destination for most, but we do recommend dining at Nello at least once during the warmer weather. [Photo via]

696 Madison Ave. New York, NY
(212) 980-9099

Red Hook#2. The Good Fork - This Red Hook restaurant is one of our favorite restaurants in New York. After the restaurant shuttered temporarly after Hurricane Sandy, The Good Fork reopened in its same location earlier this year. The menu consists of both American and Asian influenced dishes and the food is always consistently excellent (our favorite dishes are easily the Homemade Pork & Chive Dumplings and the Pekin Duck Breast). While the nautical theme of the restaurant’s interior may be a bit too quirky for some, the quaint and charming outdoor garden is a perfect place to have a relaxed dinner with friends during the summer months. [Photo via]

391 Van Brunt St, New York, NY
(718) 643-6636

Standard Hotel#3. The Standard Grill - The Standard Hotel in the Meatpacking District is easily one of the most frequented hotels in New York City. Between the stunning views, popular nightclubs and it’s proximity to the High Line, The Standard has really become one of the most popular attractions in the city. In addition the ground level restaurant, aptly named The Standard Grill, is another go-to spot for well prepared American food in an upscale yet casual setting. In the warmer weather, the outdoor area is perfect for grabbing brunch or just splitting one of the restaurant’s famous punch bowls. On Sundays, The Standard Grill also hosts the popular #NotYourStandardBingo party. You can call the restaurant to make reservations for bingo which should be made at least a week in advance. [Photo via]

848 Washington St, New York, NY
(212) 645-4100

Tribeca#4. Mr. Chow Tribeca – This upscale Chinese restaurant from Michael Chow seems to have a love/hate relationship with New Yorkers. While some loathe the restaurant for it’s high prices and “pretentious” attitude, others praise the restaurant for its clean, minimalist decor and excellent cooking. Whichever side you are on, the outdoor area of Michael Chow’s Tribeca outpost is undisputed one of the best places to dine al fresco in New York City. Elevated just enough to provide excellent views of Tribeca, Mr. Chow manages to serve well prepared food in an elegant setting making it perfect for special occasions or a dinner out with friends. Mr. Chow Tribeca also offers a $42 pre/post theater menu, from 6 PM – 7 PM and after 10 PM, featuring the items from the formerly offered Recession Busters menu. [Photo via]

121 Hudson St, New York, NY
(212) 965-9500

Hamburger

#5. JG Melon – One of the most beloved burger spots in the city is also home to an excellent outdoor dining section. JG Melon is the quintessential 1950s home-style restaurant in New York City. The bar area is always bustling with Upper East Side locals while the back area is more relaxed and perfect for family dining. JG Melon does not accept reservations so the wait times for a table can easily surpass the one hour mark. However, the spacious outdoor section helps to alleviate some of the traffic inside of the restaurant. We recommend getting the bacon cheeseburger with a side of their famous fried potatoes. [Photo via]

1291 3rd Ave. New York, NY
(212) 744-0585

Cafe Boulud#6. Cafe Boulud – This Upper East Side restaurant is easily the best on our list when it comes to the food itself. Daniel Boulud’s French restaurant is known for its refined cooking and elegant decor. In the warmer weather the restaurant offers outdoor seating which over looks Madison Avenue as well 5th Avenue.  For lunch, we suggest ordering off one of the prix-fixe menus and while you’re there, take advantage of the outstanding cocktail program at the lounge next door, Bar Plieades. Cafe Boulud is one of our favorite restaurants on the Upper East Side in terms of overall excellent food, decor and service. [Photo via]

20 E 76th St, New York, NY
(212) 772-2600

Miss Lily's#7. Miss Lily’s - Serge Becker’s Jamacian spot Miss Lily’s not only has one of the chicest clienteles in the city, but the restaurant is also one of the best places to have brunch. Both the food and the decor take modern twists on traditional and authentic Jamaican cooking and style. The restaurant’s “Jamacian Breakfast” provides a little bit of everything including Ackee and Saltfish, Callaloo and Festivals. In the warmer months the outdoor patio is a great place to have a meal with friends. To add to the overall atmosphere of Miss Lily’s sometimes you can catch patrons playing dominoes outside. Also, make sure you grab a freshly pressed juice at Melvin’s Juice Bar after your meal. [Photo via]

132 W Houston St, New York, NY
(646) 588-5375

Lavo New York#8. Lavo - Easily one of the most popular restaurants in New York City, Lavo is a family style Italian restaurant located in Midtown. However, the events inside this boisterous eatery are far from family oriented. Lavo is home to the exclusive Lavo Brunch Saturday party and the Rivera Sunday party. But when Lavo isn’t in total party mode, it can be a place to have a relaxing lunch outdoors. The portions are big and the food is generally pretty consistent and solid overall. The outdoor seating provides excellent views of Madison Avenue without being in the middle of all the sidewalk traffic. Make sure to order one of the pizzas while you’re there. [Photo via]

39 E 58th St  New York, NY
(212) 750-5588

ABC Cocina May Open Early May

Jean GeorgesJean-Georges Vongerichten‘s latest culinary venture, ABC Cocina, may have an actual opening date. At first, the restaurant was slated to open mid-February but then the latest report by Zagat mentioned that the new Gramercy restaurant will be opening on April 15th. However the latest news update we read by DNAInfo states that ABC Cocina does not have an actual opening date set in stone (but they did manage to get a sneak peak of the construction going on inside). Despite this, we did notice on the restaurant’s OpenTable page that they are accepting reservations as early as May 1st with some time slots are already fully reserved. ABC Cocina is in the former PiPa location and will focus on small plates and tapas dishes. [Photo via]

OpenTable

Where To Eat For Hamptons Restaurant Week 2013

East HamptonWhile the Hamptons is known as New York’s summer destination, it’s also a great place to go if you’re looking to escape the city for the weekend. While you can forget about anything nightlife related till Memorial Day, there are a number of restaurants and boutiques that remain open throughout the year. Taking a drive out east during the off season is great for those who want to have a more relaxed weekend and experience what the Hamptons has to offer without all the crowds and traffic on the Montauk Highway. The month of April is an especially good time to head out there as, in addition to the nicer weather, certain restaurants will be participating in Hamptons Restaurant Week. From the 7th till the 14th, certain restaurants will be offering three course menus for either $19.95 or $27.95. Since restaurants in the Hamptons are usually a bit more expensive than comparable places in the city, this is a great opportunity to take a trip out east and grab dinner at that restaurant you have been wanting to try. Here are five restaurant’s we suggest you try that are participating in Hamptons Restaurant Week 2013! [Photo via]

Southold New York#1. The North Fork Table & Inn - We really can’t recommend this Southold restaurant enough. Head Chef Gerry Hayden, the former executive chef of Aureole, has created an American menu that focuses on local and high quality ingredients. The restaurant itself is located inside of the charming North Fork Inn which is also a great place if you’re looking to spend the weekend. While the dinner tasting menus normally are $125 a head, but it’s worth the cost, The North Fork Table & Inn is offering a $27.95 three course dinner menu. Let’s put it this way, it’s almost as good as if Daniel were to participate in restaurant week. [Photo via]

57225 Main Road Southold, NY
(631) 765-0177
View menu

Southampton#2. RedBar Brasserie -  RedBar Brasserie is easily one of the most popular restaurants in The Hamptons. This Southampton American restaurant serves refined classics with a European twist. What we enjoy most about the restaurant’s restaurant week menu is that while there are specific dishes set aside for the prix-fixe menu, you can substitute any item off the regular menu for an additional supplement. This is a great way to try a more expensive dish, such as the fantastic NY Strip Steak with Parmesan Truffle Fries, for a lower cost than if you visited the restaurant outside of the restaurant week period. Unlike the more formal RedBar, the brasserie does not accept reservations. [Photo via]

210 Hampton Rd  Southampton, NY
(631) 283-0704
View menu

Wading River#3. La Plage – This Wading River restaurant is one of the more underrated restaurants out east. This unpretentious and charming restaurant is perfect for families or those looking to venture outside of the normal and more popular Hamptons destinations. The American menu consists of dishes suitable year round dining such as the excellent Duck Leg Confit and the Warm Spanish Octopus appetizer. We highly suggest checking out La Plage especially during the restaurant week period! [Photo via]

131 Creek Rd  Wading River, NY
(631) 744-9200
View menu

Bridgehampton#4. Almond – This Bridgehampton restaurant is dubbed by some as the “least Hamptons” restaurant in the Hamptons. Almond looks like a chic yet down to earth restaurant that could be located anywhere. The menu focuses on locally sourced ingredients and consists of refined bistro fare. Almond combines a fun and unpretentious atmosphere with fresh, and skillfully prepared food which isn’t an easy combination to find in the Hamptons. [Photo via]

12 E 22nd St  New York, NY
(212) 228-7557
View menu

East Quogue#5. Stone Creek Inn – This refined French restaurant is another excellent, if not sometimes overlooked, option. Renowned chef Christian Mir has created a modern French menu for his elegant East Quogue restaurant. Stone Creek Inn is perfect for both a casual night out and a more formal dinner and the menu itself is just as versatile. While a dinner here doesn’t come cheap, taking advantage of the special $27.95 prix-fixe menu is a great opportunity to sample the food at this acclaimed Hamptons restaurant. [Photo via]

405 Montauk Hwy  East Quogue, NY 11942
(631) 653-6770
View menu

Check out the full list of participating restaurants here!

Recipe: Momofuku’s Famous Pork Buns

Pork BunsLove David Chang’s Momofuku restaurants and his world famous pork buns? Yeah we thought so. These savory buns pack a lot of flavor into such a small dish. While it may seem like a pretty intricate dish to create, when you break down all the steps it’s actually quite simple even for beginner cooks. If you want to have a go at trying to make your own pork buns at home, check out the recipe below! [Photo via]

For The Pork:

  • 1/2 cup kosher salt
  • 1/2 cup sugar
  • 4 1/2 cups water, divided
  • 2 1/2 lb skinless boneless pork belly, cut into quarters
  • 1/2 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth

For The Buns:

  • 1 cup warm water (105-115°F), divided
  • 1/2 teaspoon active dry yeast
  • 3 tablespoons sugar plus a pinch
  • 2 tablespoons nonfat dried milk
  • 3 1/2 cups cake flour (not self-rising)
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • Canola oil for greasing and brushing

  • Equipments:

    a deep 12-inch skillet with domed lid or a 14-inch flat-bottomed wok with lid

  • Garnish:

    hoisin sauce; thinly sliced cucumber; chopped scallions

Brine Pork:

  • Stir together kosher salt, sugar, and 4 cups water until sugar and salt have dissolved. Put pork belly in a large sealable bag, then pour in brine. Carefully press out air and seal bag. Lay in a shallow dish and let brine, chilled, at least 12 hours.

Make Dough For The Buns While The Pork Is Brining:

  • Stir together 1/4 cup warm water with yeast and pinch of sugar. Let stand until foamy, 5 to 10 minutes. (If mixture doesn’t foam, start over with new yeast.) Whisk in dried milk and remaining 3/4 cup warm water.
  • Stir together flour and remaining 3 tablespoons sugar in a bowl, then stir in yeast mixture (do not add baking powder yet) with a fork until a dough forms. Knead dough with your hands in bowl until all of flour is incorporated. Turn out dough onto a floured surface and knead, dusting surface and hands with just enough flour to keep dough from sticking, until dough is elastic and smooth but still soft, about 5 minutes. Form dough into a ball.
  • Put dough in an oiled large bowl and turn to coat. Cover with plastic wrap and let dough rise in a draft-free place at warm room temperature until doubled, about 2 hours.

Roast The Pork While The Dough Rises:

  • Preheat oven to 300°F with rack in middle.
  • Discard brine and put pork, fat side up, in an 8- to 9-inch square baking pan. Pour in broth and remaining 1/2 cup water. Cover tightly with foil and roast until pork is very tender, about 2 1/2 hours. Remove foil and increase oven temperature to 450°F, then roast until fat is golden, about 20 minutes more. Cool 30 minutes, then chill, uncovered, until cold, about 1 hour.
  • Cut chilled pork across the grain into 1/4-inch slices. Chill slices in pan juices, covered, while making buns.

Make The Buns:

  • Punch down dough, then transfer to a lightly floured surface and flatten slightly into a disk. Sprinkle baking powder over center of dough, then gather edges of dough and pinch to seal in baking powder. Knead dough with just enough flour to keep dough from sticking until baking powder is incorporated, about 5 minutes. Return dough to bowl and cover with plastic wrap, then let dough stand 30 minutes.
  • Cut 16 (3- by 2-inch) pieces of wax paper.
  • Form dough into a 16-inch-long log. Cut into 16 equal pieces, then lightly dust with flour and loosely cover with plastic wrap. Roll out 1 piece of dough into a 6- by 3-inch oval, lightly dusting surface, your hands, and rolling pin. Pat oval between your palms to remove excess flour, then brush half of oval lightly with oil and fold in half crosswise (do not pinch). Place bun on a piece of wax paper on a large baking sheet and cover loosely with plastic wrap. Make more buns with remaining dough, then let stand, loosely covered, until slightly risen, about 30 minutes.
  • Set a large steamer rack inside skillet (or wok) and add enough water to reach within 1/2 inch of bottom of rack, then bring to a boil. Carefully place 5 to 7 buns (still on wax paper) in steamer rack (do not let buns touch). Cover tightly and steam over high heat until buns are puffed and cooked through, about 3 minutes. Transfer buns to a plate with tongs, then discard wax paper and wrap buns in kitchen towels (not terry cloth) to keep warm. Steam remaining buns in 2 batches, adding boiling-hot water to skillet as needed.
  • Return buns (still wrapped in towels) to steamer rack in skillet and keep warm (off heat), covered.

To Serve The Buns:

  • Preheat oven to 350°F with rack in middle. Heat sliced pork (in liquid in baking dish), covered, until hot, 15 to 20 minutes.
  • Brush bottom half of each bun with hoisin sauce, then sandwich with 2 or 3 pork slices and some cucumber and scallions.

Cook’s Notes:

  • Pork belly can be brined up to 24 hours.
  • Pork can be roasted and sliced 2 days ahead and chilled (in liquid), covered.
  • Buns can be steamed and cooled completely, then chilled, wrapped tightly in a double layer of plastic wrap, up to 1 day or frozen up to 1 week. (Thaw wrapped frozen buns in refrigerator.) Reheat buns, wrapped in a dampened kitchen towel and then tightly in foil, in a 350°F oven until soft and heated through, about 15 minutes.

[Recipe via Gourmet.com]

New York Nightlife Happenings: January 17th 2013

Amy SaccoA lot happened this past week in New York Nightlife. A certain mega-club reopened last night in Chelsea and a nightlife birthday was celebrated not too far either but luckily both events were on different days. Two top DJs are slated to perform on the same night and a certain Sunday party is heading to Utah for the Sundance Festival. Another SoHo spot brings back their popular Sunday party as well. Check out all this and more in this week’s New York Nightlife Happenings! [Photo via]

 

Marquee NY#1. Marquee Re-Opened - This Strategic Group nightclub closed its doors not too long ago for renovations. The New York Marquee needed to be altered and rebranded to fit in with the other two other locations in Las Vegas and Sydney. What NYC got is a Las Vegas style nightclub that is geared towards performances and house music. Most of the tables have been removed to make more space for General Admissions and ticket holders. Last night’s opening brought out virtually every big name in New York nightlife and judging by the overall feedback we’ve been reading on Twitter, the new Marquee is the next best thing in New York City! If you didn’t get a chance to check out the new club last night, make sure to this Friday when DubFire is slated to perform! [Photo via]

 

DJ Dalton#2. DJ Dalton Celebrated His Birthday At SL – Basically if you weren’t at Marquee you were at SL for DJ Dalton’s birthday celebration. One of New York’s favorite DJs, from 4AM DJs of course, had his birthday at the lounge under Abe & Arthur’s. Guest DJs Scram Jones, DJ Chachi and DJ Sinatra performed along side Dalton for his special celebration. To make the night even better, Krill was also photographing the event and of course giving his signature champagne facials. This week must be the nightlife birthday week because not too far over someone else was celebrating their birthday…  [Photo via]

 

Amy Sacco#3. Amy Sacco’s Birthday Celebration at No. 8 - If you thought the new reincarnation of the late Bungalow 8 wasn’t drawing enough celebrities, well, you thought wrong. The famed Amy Sacco held her birthday celebration at the new bi-level Meatpacking lounge. If you were able to get past Disco, you were in for a real good time as the celebration brought in big names such as Iman, John Legend and Christina Ricci. We hope that No. 8 continues to draw in similar crows as the space is perfect for mingling and socializing amongst New York’s elite. [Photo via]

 

Lavo NY#4. Lavo & Finale Both Bring Top DJs to New York Tonight – Just to show how big the EDM market is in New York City, Strategic Group’s Midtown club Lavo and EMM Group’s newly opened Finale both are bringing popular producers to perform in their clubs tonight. Zedd is slated to perform at Finale while Dirty South is at Lavo. Both clubs did sell advanced tickets however, the tickets to see Zedd at Finale are now sold out. Expect the door to be super tight at both venues unless you are either purchasing bottle service or ordered a ticket in advanced. Either way we suggest arriving at 11:30 PM. [Photo via]

 

Karaoke Sunday#5. Karaoke Sundays Return To Cipriani Downtown - Thought Cipriani Downtown was only a hotspot to get expensive plates of Penne with Lamb Ragu? Think again. The nightclub upstairs aptly named Cipriani Upstairs is bringing back it’s most popular weekly party: Karaoke Sundays. This chic Italian nightclub manages to combine $25 bellinis with and karaoke all into one space. With both Cipriani Downtown and Goldbar hosting popular Sunday parties (which this week heads to the Sundance Festical) literally within walking distance, it will be interesting to see if SoHo/Little Italy becomes the new place to be on Sundays. [Photo via]

Top New York City Restaurants For Valentines Day

La GrenouilleWhile it may seem that 2013 has just begun, Valentines Day is less than a month away. This may seem like more than enough time to plan the perfect romantic night out but unless you’re spending the night at home, we suggest making reservations at least three weeks in advance. When picking a romantic restaurant, especially on Valentines Day, we suggest finding something with a more relaxed, quite and intimate atmosphere that serves consistently good food. Also, we don’t suggest spending your night at popular restaurants that do not accept reservations, such as Rosemary’s or Frankie’s 475. While they may be excellent date night spots, waiting up to two hours for a table for two during prime time hours doesn’t sound like the perfect Valentine’s Day to us. With that, we bring you the top New York City restaurants for Valentines Day! Note that we will be leaving out some already well known options such as One if by Land, Two if by Sea, Waverly Inn and La Grenouille so we can include some restaurants that are more off the map. [Photo via]

Daniel Boulud#1. Daniel - This Upper East Side restaurant brought to us by Daniel Boulud is one of the few restaurants in New York City that is absolutely perfect. From the stunning decor to the well thought out cocktail program to the perfectly designed and executed tasting menus, Daniel is nothing short of perfection. While this level of excellence will be costly, tasting menus start at $116, if you’re looking for a splurge worthy evening that will be sure to impress anyone, Daniel is the place to do it.

60 E 58th St. New York, NY
(212) 288-0033

[Photo via]

Bohemian#2. Bohemian - A date night at Bohemian will impress your special someone for two reasons. One, it’s kind of impossible to hate the simple yet charming decor of this tiny 25 seat restaurant and two, your date will be impressed that you could find the number none the less score a reservation. Bohemian does not publish a phone number and the only way to get it is through a friend or colleague that has been to the restaurant before. This way, it ensures that the restaurant operates similarly to a private club. While getting into Bohemian may seem pretentious, all the attitude is lost once you walk past the Butcher Shop and through the glass door.

57 Great Jones St. New York, NY

[Photo via]

River Deli#3. River Deli – This Brooklyn Heights Italian restaurant is one of the better unknown date spots in NYC. The rustic decor is perfect for a first date or Valentines Day. The menu consists of traditional, well prepared Italian dishes such as Pappardelle Ai Funghi and an excellent Burrata. What makes River Deli even better is all the pasta dishes are generously portioned and none are above $15 while the meat and fish dishes never rise above the $25 mark. This makes River Deli the best date night spot in NYC for those on a budget. Also, the corner of Joralomon St. and Clinton St. absolutely charming and adorable.

 32 Joralomon St. Brooklyn, NY
(718) 254-9200

[Photo via]

Tiny's and the Bar Downstairs#4. Tiny’s – This intimate Tribeca restaurant is perfect for those looking for a quiet dinner and a more lively bar scene afterwards. The main level of Tiny’s, brought to us by Matt Abramcyk of the late Beatrice Inn, is a cozy, dimly lit space and even comes complete with a working fireplace. The upstairs does have similar design features that would make it perfect for a date, but the bar does create a much louder and hectic atmosphere than the subtle downstairs. The simple American fare is also great if your date is a less than adventurous (i.e. picky) eater.

135 West Broadway New York, NY
(212) 374-1135 

[Photo via]

Sushi Seki#5. Sushi Seki – If you and your date love sushi, there’s no better place than Sushi Seki. This Upper East Side restaurant has a laid back decor, but also has the best Omakase menu we’ve tasted in New York City. This is the perfect spot for sushi lovers who are more about the quality of their food rather than being blown away by stunning decor. We suggest grabbing a seat at the bar and ordering the chef’s Omakase. While this piece by piece menu won’t come cheap, you and your date will be having some of the most unique and top quality sushi that New York has to offer.

1143 1st Avenue New York, NY
(212) 371-0238

[Photo via]

Minetta Tavern#6. Minetta Tavern – This West Village steakhouse is for all those couples looking for a good steak on Valentines Day. It may seem a bit out there but we see nothing wrong with sharing a massive porterhouse for two on a date (though your doctor might when they check your cholesterol). Keith McNally brings us the revamped Minetta Tavern which is home to the famous $30 Black Label burger and the $90 Cote de Boeuf. That Black Label burger is worth every penny as are the top quality steaks. The atmosphere is also more reserved and a bit more charming than the other well known chophouse Peter Luger making Minetta Tavern the best steakhouse for Valentines Day.

113 MacDougal Street New York, NY
(212) 475-3850

[Photo via]

Upper East Side#7. Sfoglia –  This Nantucket import serves easily the best pasta we have had in New York City. Yep you heard us, the best pasta in New York City. All the pasta is homemade in the kitchen and Sfoglia is probably the only restaurant where we would order a pasta dish for both our appetizer and entree. The restaurant itself is also quaint and suitable for any date night. The mismatched furniture help give Sfoglia a more low-key vibe to off set the complex Italian cooking. Since the restaurant is small we recommend making reservations sooner rather than later.

1402 Lexington Avenue New York, NY
(212) 831-1402

[Photo via]

The Good Fork#8. The Good Fork – After Hurricane Sandy, we weren’t sure if our favorite Red Hook restaurant would reopen again. Sure enough after the new year The Good Fork opened it’s doors again for service. The quirky Asian/American goes perfectly with the, again, quirky nautical theme of the restaurant. There is also an outdoor garden in the back just in case you enjoy the excellent food so much that you wish to return for, perhaps another date, in the warmer months. If you do happen to head over to The Good Fork, make sure to get the handmade pork dumplings.

391 Van Brunt Street Brooklyn, New York
(718) 643-6636

[Photo via]

Tamarind Tribeca

#9. Tamarind – Since Indian food is usually a popular option with date nights, we had to include Tamarind. This over the top Indian restaurant is an excellent choice when looking for a date night in Tribeca. The menu consists of more refined versions of traditional Indian dishes and the decor matches the upscale cooking. This opulent restaurant may be expensive, but it’s definitely one of the best options in NYC for Valentines Day.

99 Hudson Street New York, NY
(718) 643-6636

[Photo via]

Lincoln Restaurant#10. Lincoln – We’ll be honest by saying this: finding a date night restaurant on the Upper West Side was no easy task. The minute we thought of the Italian restaurant, Lincoln, we had to include it in our round-up. The restaurant is enclosed with floor to ceiling glass windows that allows Lincoln Center to act as the back drop of your dinner. And if you thought Lincoln couldn’t get any better, the cooking is just as stellar as the decor.

145 West 65th Street New York, NY
(212) 359-6500

[Photo via]

Restaurant Review: Ai Fiori

Michael White

A winding white staircase inside the Setai Hotel leads up to Michael White’s latest Midtown Italian restaurant Ai Fiori. The restaurant is set up to handle both hotel guests looking for a drink in the lounge and those looking to try White’s refined Italian cooking. Ai Fiori (meaning among the flowers) is a surprisingly large restaurant that almost boarder-lines on being commercial. The dark and neutral tones create a more upscale mood but the restaurant itself never matches level the decor set by Ai Fiori’s competition such as Mario Batali’s Del Posto and even Michael White’s more seafood focused restaurant Marea. However, nice touches throughout the meal didn’t go unnoticed. The grand silverware and plates left on the table when you arrive give the feeling that you are in fact dinning at a four star restaurant. It was small touches like these that were able to distract us from the less appealing qualities of the restaurant’s design.

However, where Ai Fiori truly shines is in its cooking. The Chef de Cuisine, PJ Calapa, does an excellent job of executing all of the refined Italian influenced dishes on the menu. Speaking of the menu itself, it is set up to be ordered as a $92 four course prix-fixe. If you wish to order a la carte you must explicitly inform your server of this. The main difference between the prix-fixe and ordering a la carte is the portion size of the appetizer and the pasta. The entrees remain the same size with either menu. There is also a seven course tasting menu available for $130 but we chose to stick to the menu at hand.

And, for the most part, we are quite happy with our decision. The appetizers were all excellent. The Fluke Crudo was fresh, well seasoned with a light lemon sauce and came with a mountain of American Sturgeon Caviar on top. The Torchon was excellent as well and was given a unique twist by including almonds and a thick chutney like sauce. The pastas also exceeded our expectations. The Corzetti with duck ragu was simply one of the best sauces we have tasted in any pasta dish. The sauce was rich and the sweet ricotta cheese was the perfect addition to the pasta. This dish would have been absolute perfection if the chef used a more substantial pasta, perhaps Pappardelle, rather than the thin slices of corzetti pasta. The Tortelli, ricotta and mascarpone ravioli, was an excellent yet rich dish as well. We recommend ordering this only as a half portion as the flavors are almost too rich for one to eat an entire full portion. The Spaghetti with blue crab was a simple yet well executed dish.

The entrees were also on par with the pasta courses. The Venison Chop was cooked perfectly and topped with a rich sauce that also went well with the gnocchi that accompanied the meat. Those are our favorite kind of dishes, the ones where all the components taste just as good separately as they do when eaten together. The Long Island Duck was an excellent option as well. The Poached Lobster is another great dish for those looking to veer away from the heavier meat dishes. The dish mainly shows off the quality of the lobster and pairs the shellfish with a light sauce.

The desserts were the only lack-luster part of the meal. The Panna Cotta was almost a deconstructed version of the traditional Italian dessert but only tasted slightly better than any Panna Cotta we could have found in an Italian bakery. The Crostata di Cioccolato was again a dish that failed to rise above mediocrity and resembled any chocolate tart we could find in a similar restaurant. Basically the only highlight of the dessert menu was the Sorbet and Gelato.

Aside from the desserts, Ai Fiori is an excellent restaurant. The restaurant is opulent, if not a bit unwelcoming, and the food is utterly fantastic. Again, the only downfall of Ai Fiori is the desserts but if they fix that portion, then Michael White may have created New York City’s best Italian restaurant. But remember, you can always replace the dessert course with an extra plate of pasta. We won’t judge.

Ai Fiori

Ambiance: 8

Food: 9

Service: 9

Overall: 9

Verdict: Oasis

400 5th Avenue

New York, NY 10018

212-613-8660

View menu

Ai Fiori (Setai Hotel) on Urbanspoon

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What To Expect From New York Nightlife In 2013

NY Nightlife2013 has only just begun and there already have been some new trends coming up in the world of nightlife. New York City nightlife, mainly, is now known for its smaller, boutique nightclubs in the Meatpacking District and Chelsea with strict door policies. But a new year might bring some new changes to the city’s nightlife culture. With rent prices soaring, owners now need to try and find new ways to create more revenue in order to generate profits. [Photo via]

Three tactics operators are beginning to do this are:

  1. To open up new venues in neighborhoods with lower rent than popular locations in the Meatpacking District.
  2. To start selling advanced tickets and charge cover at the door rather than depend solely on bottle service and bar revenue.
  3. To create larger spaces to pack more people into their venues so operators can maximize profits for tickets/cover charges.

Pollo
Recently, Chinatown and the Lower East Side (LES) have received a lot of attention in terms of nightlife. Travis Bass used the LES space 141 Chrystie, as well as Asia Roma, for his pop-up parties, Andre Saravia’s Le Baron finally opened in Chinatown and the Bowery got a taste of the Meatpacking District with EMM Group’s Finale. Clubs are opening in these new areas because rent is far less expensive than in the Meatpacking District. While Chinatown and the LES certainly don’t receive as much foot traffic as the Meatpacking, if these clubs deliver an excellent product with service to match, people won’t care where the club is located. Take The Box for example, it’s been open for at least 5 years and people are still heading down to Chrystie Street to see their shows. They have a unique product that people still want. [Photo via]

As we saw in 2012, the recession affected the bottle service market thus creating a need for clubs to generate income other ways. More upscale venues in NYC (such as Avenue, SL and 1Oak) usually do not charge cover and can only profit from bar sales and table service (excluding actual private parties). However, many people who come in with promoters drink for free and a fair amount of people also pre-game to clubs. If guests are not buying drinks at the bar and are not reserving tables, how will a club make a profit? By selling tickets or creating cover charges, clubs guarantee that people spend a certain amount just by entering the venue.

1Oak
While selling advanced tickets does guarantee spending, it also allows pretty much anyone to be able to gain entry. Selling tickets eliminates any type of strict door policy in a nightclub. This is why it is much harder to get into a smaller New York City venue like Avenue or even 1Oak than it would be to get into larger venues in cities such as Las Vegas. By only charging cover, the club also guarantees spending but now has a bit more control over the door. Since no one has spent money prior to arriving to the club, the doorman (or doorwoman) can choose who he or she would like to let in on the spot. This is almost the same reason as to why the EZVIP online table booking website featured on Shark Tank wouldn’t really suit New York Nightlife. Having people pay for tables or tickets in advance before getting to the club basically allows anyone to be let in. [Photo via]

We guess our message would be that club goers shouldn’t be afraid to step out of their comfort zone (i.e. The Meatpacking District and Chelsea) to go see a new venue or party. Expansion is inevitable since there are only so many nightclubs that can open up in one area. So don’t feel turned off by the fact that a club is in Midtown or in the LES and not in Chelsea as there really are some great parties outside of the popular areas (the Les Garcons Wednesday party at Le Baron, Sunday Funday at Goldbar and Karaoke Sundays at Cipriani Downtown just to name a few). Also, and this is just our prediction, we could see the Bowery receiving just as much traffic as the Meatpacking if more operators opened up venues there. The neighborhood has a really cool, unique vibe to it and with a few more dining and nightlife options we could see it being the next “hot” neighborhood. But just don’t let it turn into what Club Row was back when Cain and Guest House still existed.

FinaleWe’re also not too keen on advanced ticket sales at nightclubs. Unless it is a concert, we feel some sort of door policy should be enforced on a nightly basis and advanced ticket sales make this difficult. Especially for brunch, which should be an event reserved solely for those with table service, we don’t really want to see advanced ticketing enter New York Nightlife and are much more wiling to pay cover. None the less, we are excited to see what changed 2013 will bring to New York City’s nightlife! [Photo via]