The Date: Saturday 6/19
Another week, another BLD. Only this time, I’m changing it up to BDD. That’s right, I’m getting rid of the L. Instead, here’s where I had brunch, dinner, and desert:
12:30 pm
1. I was tough on myself last night. Stayed out a little later than usual and, as I’m sure most of you can relate, a little slow getting up this morning. So I need the kind of meal that starts the day off right. What kind of meal is that? A Square Meal – 30 East 92nd St. A cup of coffee, scones, poached egg with hash, and a swig of orange juice later I was good to go. The restaurant sports a cool, green decor fit inside of a very small square. The menu changes daily focusing on seasonality and freshness which you taste in every bite.
From there I went to Central Park. One of Manhattan’s real gifts. I laid out my towel, put on my ipod, and closed my eyes. Music and sun are all I need on days like this.
7:30 pm
2. After a nap in the park and a shower in the bathroom I’m back out and about and ready for my next meal. I’m going somewhere I’ve never been but has always been on my “list.” Primola (no website) – 1226 2nd Ave. The vibe is calm and unassuming from the moment you walk under the blue overhang and through the front door. I decided to start with the Filetto Di Vitello Harris. Essentially this dish is veal and radicchio in a mustard sauce. The combination worked for me as I enjoyed each bite. I Chicchi Della Nonna aka spinach dumplings. Eating dumplings in a non-traditional way like this was fun. Ah, but my final course proved to be my favorite. I kept it simple and went with a grilled lamb chop and couldn’t have been happier. The meat was cooked to perfection – I could not ask for more.
Wide awake from the double espresso I drank only moments earlier I made a firm decision to get dessert. I’m not usually a big dessert person but if I get the urge (or drink enough espresso), I won’t sleep till I’m satisfied.
9:30 pm
3. This undeniable hunger brings me to one of my favorites: Two Little Red Hens – 1652 2nd Ave. It wasn’t the quickest walk from Primola but worth it to work off the food and enjoy the night. The vanilla buttercream cupcake was just what I needed. Next time maybe i’ll go all out and try one of their famed specialty cakes. I suggest you do the same.
“I wanna love you, BLD” – Michael Jackson, kind of
Welcome back to BLD. This week we take a look at the Upper West Side. Hope you enjoy reading as much as I enjoyed eating!
The Date: Saturday 6/12
11:00 am: I’m the first person to walk into Ouest – 2315 Broadway. Only moments after being seated, the crowd begins to stroll in. I’ve got a long day of eating ahead of me so I’m quick to order. Plus, one look at the menu and I know what I want. A glass of fresh grapefruit juice (why doesn’t every breakfast/brunch place offer this?) and an order of the brioche french toast. My only request is that the french toast be cooked crispy. It is. I’m happy. Two more glasses of juice later and I’m effectively drunk on grapefruit. This has been a fantastic beginning to a cloudy Saturday morning. Let’s hope I can find some sun at lunch!
2:00 pm: The weather sure is strange today. First it looks like rain, now it’s sunny and muggy. Not the best day to be outside – and that’s ok with me. I’m more than happy to spend it indoors, chowing down on some grub. And I’ve arrived at my destination: Recipe – 452 Amsterdam Ave. This place is small and narrow, providing terrific character. But I’m here for the food and their market fresh cuisine doesn’t disappoint. I’m all about the juice today and I’m happy to have their house made Arnold Palmer. For those who don’t know it’s half lemonade, half iced tea – a drink made famous by it’s namesake, golfer Arnold Palmer. To start I go with a simple salad of bitter greens, a can’t-go-wrong-dish and a perfectly light lead-in to my next dish: a pulled pork sandwich with granny smith apple, pickled turnip and cabbage slaw. Man was that good.
7:30 pm: It’s been a while since I really spoiled myself. I’ve had some great meals but I mean spoil. Which is why I find myself standing at 72 West 69th St. At Telepan. It’s not my place to play favorites so I won’t. But if there were a list of Upper West Side restaurants that were necessary to check out, Telepan would be on this list. After sitting down and ordering a glass of wine my food begins to make its way out. First up – vegetable bread soup. I happen to love bread soups and their twist with parmigiano is terrific. For my mid-course I opt for the roasted asparagus. Asparagus is one of those vegetables that anyone can cook well but only some can take it to that proverbial “next level.” This one’s right up there. For a main I choose the roasted chicken. The peas, polenta, and spring onions make for a perfect accompaniment. To finish – my favorite – blood orange parfait. Delicious.
Needless to say, this was quite the Saturday. I hope I haven’t made you too hungry. Be sure to tune in next week when BLD hits the Upper East Side!
“I wanna love you. BLD!” -Michael Jackson, kind-of.
