New Devotees

Bhakti, the Sanskrit word for "devotion", is a fitting word to describe our experience this night.

Friendship is all about devotion. And our friend Kristen pretty much sums it all up. A devoted runner, spiritualist, yogi, and all around amazing friend...

Her invitation to dessert at Bhakti Cafe was our entrance back to India. Full of colorful Hindu portraits and a warm vibe, Bhakti was a solace from the frigid temperatures outside.

The cupcakes we had were outstanding. Orange infused with a smooth & creamy icing... so good we had a hard time believing they were vegan.

Kyo ya.... ya ya ya!!

May 28, 2010: We visited Kyo ya, one of the most mysterious, hidden Japanese treasures in New York City. I first visited this place with my Japanese clients a few years back. Apparently, this restaurant came to fame through inner circles of Japanese New Yorkers, in a hush-hush-pass-it-along type of movement. Certainly "oishi" (japanese for yummy) all across the board.

We started with a pressed salmon sushi appetizer, followed by a corn potage soup (with brussel sprouts), which led us to a panko-breaded sea scallop sitting on top of nori seaweed paste (incredible!), a piece of delicious flaky miso black cod and ended with an entree of magret duck, thinly sliced sitting on top of mache greens. The flavors were classic Japanese - not much 'preparation', but just simple flavorful natural elements. For dessert we had a vanilla custard complemented with caramel syrup, which reminded Sara of french creme caramel. The unique menu choices and presentation, along with the authentic interior design added an element of warmth and comfort. We certainly add Kyo ya to our list of the best Japanese restaurants in New York.

Mermaid Inn-lusion

For months, we anticipated our eventual visit to the Mermaid Inn. But the restaurant, named after the mysterious siren of the sea, kept alluding us. There were several occasions we tried to call in for a last minute reservation, and repeatedly got denied. We even tried walking in a few times. The last time we tried, our get together with friends at the Mermaid Inn on the Upper West Side got canceled. Finally, after the long await, we got our chance.

Upon entry, the restaurant is charming and exciting. The tables are bustling, the east village crowd is eclectic and the aromas fill the space. The oceanic themes are well formulated throughout. When the food arrived, however, we were slightly disappointed. Not sure if it was all the hype, but the dishes just didn't seem as special as we had expected given the space and atmosphere. Sara ordered our favorite (the skate), which was broiled, crispy and flavorful, and I got the dorado, which was over prepared and complex, as well as slightly dry. Nice dishes, but again, nothing spectacular. The restaurant also offers no dessert menu, which doesn't work for me. Everyone gets the same complimentary chocolate pudding with a tuft of whipped cream. Creamy and fun, but certainly nothing special about it. But the prices were reasonable and Sara enjoyed her skate.





This place is special for the experience. This was highlighted at the end when we got this unique fortune fish. Its a thin plastic cutout that you hold in your hand and see how it reacts. I got the moving head (indeed, for being jealous of Sara's skate)... and she got the moving head and tail, which reminded me of what these restaurant experiences are all about. Sure, the food can be win or lose. But its the experience & the love that matters most.. so in that sense, the night was perfect.

Cha an, and on and on...

Sara read about this Japanese tea house a while back and wanted to check it out, along with a quick stop at "Sunrise Mart".... both Japanese traditions of the neighborhood, her old Cooper Union stomping ground!.

Cha-an is a fun, authentic Japanese experience with a great selection of teas. The food is Japanese keiseke (which means you won't find sushi there). But the flavors are light, healthy and adventurous. The wooden surroundings are serene, and the atmosphere makes for lovely conversation - a perfect way to start a Sunday...

Gemma some mo'

Driving from Brooklyn via the Manhattan Bridge back to my apartment on 22nd street has become a regular ritual for me and Sara... for the past 7 months, each time we drive through Bowery Street, I've told Sara "I've gotta take you to Gemma"... Finally, our time had arrived.

As you enter the beautiful space, laden with wooden fixtures, Edison-bulb candelabras and antiquated Italian furniture, the warm glow is immediately soothing.

Its the type of restaurant that serves you warm focaccia, with a carafe of NY's finest tap water, as soon as you sit down. The food isn't very innovative, but its simple and well-prepared. You have your choice of antipasti, crostinis, pasta and whole entrees.

After making new resolutions, we decided to be budget conscious that day. We ordered a small meal to share, consisting of the Tricolore salad, Caponata crostini, Branzini and just one glass of delicious Montepulciano wine. The waiter was amazing, and poured us 2 full glasses despite just ordering one glass. The food was flavorful, authentic and fresh. A great stop that brings a new memory to our usual route home....