marlow & sons

marlow & sons

if you're in the mood to spoil your palette and sip on some fancy wine, be sure to check out marlow & sons on broadway, just past the bridge. you'll likely have to wait; after all, this tucked away spot only has about a dozen tables. if you want to beat the crowd though, go early (i'm talking 6 or 6:30) and grab seats at the bar.  that's what we did and thoroughly enjoyed our experience. our waitress and bartender were each incredibly friendly and the food was as delicate and flavorful as any other you'll find in the neighborhood. you know you're getting the freshest, best ingredients when you're served a hand-written menu...  

we started with some sparkling white wine and sampled the cantaloupe & ham appetizer. the cantaloupe was sweet and there was a smoky eggplant puree drizzled about the plate that set this dish apart from others i've tried.  after that, we ordered the 'big plate,' to split.  the 'big plate,' is a sampling of fresh seafood, all shucked and cracked so you don't even have to get your hands dirty. the lobster salad was by far my favorite.  they served it atop a cold lobster tail along with oysters, clams and fresh baked whole wheat bread. even the butter was softened. i love places that serve softened butter... 

dress casual but get ready for gourmet plates.  marlow & sons has definitely landed on my 'top 10 faves in the neighborhood,' list~

dinner in west hollywood, the eveleigh

the eveleigh

it was a quick trip out to l.a. but we made sure to take time out for a leisurely dinner at the eveleigh.  check out the travel page for the dish~

summer citrus chicken

this recipe started with a trip to the greenpoint farmers market and a flip through my martha stewart recipe app.  i picked up some fresh scallions, thyme and then hit my local grocer for the rest.  the prep for this dish is super easy and cook time is relatively fast as well~

cafe de la esquina

la esquina

if you’ve been to the la esquina on the lower east side, you may know what to expect from the menu at the brooklyn location.  the vibe however, is entirely different.  summertime at the café de la esquina at the wythe diner is when the garden heats up and serves as a hip spot to grab a cocktail and a taco. 

the fresh, fruity cocktails are my favorite part of dining at la esquina.  they’re mixing it up with savory, sweet and spicy concoctions.  pair a pepino diablo (jalepeno infused lunazul blanco tequila, cucumber, agave nectar and fresh lime) with fish taco and you’ll be a happy camper.  also note that they do a good happy hour sunday thru thursday from 6pm-8pm;  you can snag a margarita, sangria or tecate & tequilita for only $5 a piece.  not too shabby!  i also like to order the chips off the small plates menu because they’re served with your own jar of la esquina’s salsa roja and guacamole.  dining is always more fun when you get to take a souvenir home with you : )

rye

rye

great food, great cocktails; excellent choice for dinner!  rye is nestled on a quiet street in south williamsburg but don't be fooled, reviews for chef cal elliott have been anything but quiet.  rye received the michelin guide's bib gourmand selection for best value, as well as one of time out ny's cheap eats awards. 


the last time i went, i was meeting a few girlfriends and arrived a few minutes before 7.  i parked at the bar and was pleasantly surprised to be able to order off the happy hour menu. there's no beating $5 for a cocktail.  not just a vodka soda either, i got a southside. this summer refresher had gin, muddled cucumber, mint, fresh lime and soda. just what i needed after a long day at the office : )


another good to know, rye's menu is a safe bet for just about anyone.  you can choose from staples like mac n' cheese and meatloaf or venture out and try the pork duo or long island duck breast.  you're in good hands either way, trust me, i've tried a number of items on the menu.  the one that i haven't had a chance to dig into yet is the grass fed ribeye for two.  it's next on my list.  the last time i visited, a group of gentlemen next to me ordered it and i found the presentation quite impressive. no matter what you order for dinner, be sure to save room for the donut holes afterwards.  they're warm and have a crispy outside and a moist, springy inside.  you get a sweet caramel sauce to dip them in; i think we wound up polishing it off with a spoon after we'd finished the donut holes. anyway, be sure to check out rye for brunch, lunch, dinner or just happy hour at the bar~