You've Gato go to Gato

One of my favorite things about living in NYC is that one day you can be walking down a street you always walk down and suddenly there's something brand new and cool there that wasn't just a day before. Enter Gato, a restaurant I noticed immediately last summer when its chic storefront on Lafayette St. suddenly appeared along the walk between my spin studio and the subway. 6+ months of failed attempts to dine there later (I do not suggest trying to just walk-in or secure a "normal" dinner time reservation day-of) I am here to tell you that you've gato go to Gato (God I love puns!!)

Gato turns out to be a Bobby Flay joint, artfully decorated in a very Soho, industrial chic style with a gorgeous bar, windowed kitchen and a floor so gorg I actually got tile envy.

Ambiance is everything dahling.

The menu is priced somewhere above reasonable and below expensive (aka, Manhattan-y) and filled with inventive and unique "New Mediterranean" cuisine from a tapas list to funky topping'ed pizzas,  "spreads" with pita and a breadth of entree and vegetable side options. I found it nearly impossible to decide what to order, but between Dr. H and I we settled on the White Chicory Salad, Pizza with Lamb Sausage (appetizer-me-up!), the Porterhouse Pork Chop and the Kale and Wild Mushroom Paella (so f'ing unique and good I will have to fight the urge to re-order this every time I go back).

Who knew a vegetable paella could be so sexy!!?

With a chic and lively atmosphere ("loud" as your parents might call it), gorgeous setting and a menu jam-packed with items worth ordering, I am already looking forward to my next trip to Gato. I suggest making reservations early, heading over on a weeknight (5:30 and 9:30pm still available for tonight) or being flexible about your dining time on a weekend (we booked a 10pm table just a few hours before heading over). Plus, it's been reported that Bobby is often in the kitchen cooking, so be on the lookout for your very own celebrity chef siting!

"Chicago, Chicago I will show you around..."

Visit!

Guess who's baaaack!!!? Did you miss me? Apologies for the unannounced radio silence at the end of last week, but I was travelling for work and just couldn't pull off the juggling act. But now that I am back in action, I thought I'd give you a fun little detour from my usual "all about NYC" posts and share some favorites from Chicago.

First off, let me just say that I LOVE Chicago. Granted I have never been in the dead of winter, but with each visit I make to Chi-town, I fall a little more in love. I'm a sucker for a good cityscape and the architecture in Chicago is unrivaled, plus much like NYC (and other "I could live here" favorites like Boston and DC) the city is truly urban, with people walking from place to place, using public transportation, enjoying beautiful parks and living all throughout (as opposed to cities where people primarily live outside the urban center). Having visited several times now, here are some favorite eats and adventures from lovely Chicago. Any of you have something to add to the list!?

Eats

I have had a lot of awesome meals in Chicago and think it's safe to say that their cuisine rivals (in both diversity and deliciousness) the best Manhattan has to offer. 

* Homestead - Ate here on Saturday night, can't remember the last time I loved a meal so much! This farm-to-table spot has an inventive menu intended for sharing so you can taste tons of unique dishes in just 1 visit. Every ingredient is fresh and dishes are served at a leisurely pace so you can enjoy every bite!

* Piccolo Sogno (due) - For straight up awesome Italian eats, from antipasta to pizza or pasta, head to Piccolo Sogno or its second location Piccolo Sogno Due.
* Lou Malnati's Pizzeria - NY and Chicago may not be able to agree on how to make "the best" pizza, but there is no denying the incredible deliciousness of a tasty Chicago deep dish pie. Check out one of Lou's many locations to judge for yourself.

* Rudy's Bar and Grille - After strolling Millennium Park, you're probably going to need a place to throw back a few beers and watch "the game" (whatever sport may apply!) Rudy's is located just off the park, has lots of tvs, a great beer menu and their bar food is totally top notch (the Breakfast Burger anyone!?). Plus they serve most of their burgers and sandwiches on pretzel buns (YUM).

                                                                                     To Do

"The Bean" in Millennium Park is a Chicago landmark

There's no shortage of activities, planned or leisurely to do in Chicago, whether you're young or old, into being outside or in.
* Architectural Boat Tour - if you do one touristy thing in Chicago, I say do this. With the Chicago River flowing right through the middle, the best way to learn about the history of the city and its beautiful buildings is on one of these boat tours. There are tons to choose from, just click HERE.

* Millennium Park - This park has it all: green spaces for lounging, cool sculptures, art and plazas, an awesome stage for performances and a super convenient location. Be sure to visit Millennium Park if for no other reason than to snap a fun picture of your reflection at Cloud Gate (aka, "the bean"!) 

* Wrigley Field- It doesn't get more iconic than a Cubs game at Wrigley Field. Built in 1914 and now the second oldest MLB park still in use, check out a game from inside the stadium or watch from one of the perfectly situated rooftop bars surrounding it.

* Navy Pier (and Children's Museum) - Located along the shoreline of Lake Michigan (the only lake I've encountered that's so big it doesn't skeeve me out!) the Navy Pier has an awesome collection of carnival games, rides, restaurants and even a Children's Museum (never been but read great things).

* Shop the Magnificent Mile - Just like 5th Avenue, but in Chicago. An awesome mix of affordable and "just looking", stroll the Magnificent Mile down Michigan Ave and shop until you drop!

* Walk around - Chicago is a walkers dream. Lots of wide, clean sidewalks, public parks, bridges, beautiful buildings and unique, distinct neighborhoods make Chicago the perfect place to spend an entire day wandering. Biking more your style!? Just like NYC's Citi Bikes, Chicago has a bike share program with racks throughout the city.

* Still on my "to do" list: The Shedd Aquarium and The Art Institute (because obviously I need reasons to come back!)

Snip-its and Suggestions.

Ain't that the truth!? Here we are at Monday and man oh man am I unprepared. If I could just get 1 more day of weekend, I think I'd be in much better shape, but since "Saturunday" does not exist anywhere but my fantasies, I'm snuggled up to my double shot cappuccino and hoping for a quiet day in the inbox. While we all try to keep a low profile and countdown the minutes until Friday, here are some snip-its from my wonderful weekend and at the very least a tv-related excuse for this morning's exhaustion!

* True Detective

Did you watch True Detective!? The finale of the HBO crime thriller's inaugural 8-episode season aired last night and I'm going to declare it the most suspenseful 60 minutes of television I have ever watched. Starring Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson, this series takes a unique and mini-series-esque approach, with a story line that starts and ends in 1 season, promising an entirely new cast of characters come next year. Dr. H and I binge-watched the last 3 episodes in a row last night (thank you (but not really!) daylight savings for giving us enough energy around 12:45am to make the decision to power through "just 1 more" to the end) and now I cannot recommend this incredibly cast, impeccably scripted, insanely suspenseful series highly enough. If you're late to the party, find a buddy whose arm you can grip (seriously!) fire up the HBOGo and get watching.

* Manuel Racim

The remote controlled fabric wall is awesome!

Want to make the man in your life look the swankiest you've ever seen him!? A Manuel Racim custom made shirt is sure to do the trick! On the suggestion of Rebecca of The Daily Muse (love when I can turn an online recommendation into a real life success!) I gave Dr. H the gift of a custom designed shirt for Valentine's Day. Together we went to Manuel Racim's Tribeca shop and selected everything from fabric, to pocket type, collar shape to button color and upon pick up and fitting Saturday, I must say, my man could not have looked hotter. Though absolutely a splurge (prices start at $165) MR's pristine tailoring and "just your style" design options make these shirts an awesome gift for the well dressed man in your life!

* Aurora

exposed brick and homemade pasta!? Bring it.

Want to enjoy some of the tastiest Italian in downtown Manhattan!? On Saturday night Dr. H and I found ourselves at this chic and delicious Soho neighborhood favorite, oooh-ing and ahhh-ing over every bite from the I Cavoletti (roasted brussel sprout and cauliflower salad with melted cherry tomatoes and bottarga) to Le Pappardelle (with a veal ragu that would blow ya mind!) To compliment their homemade pastas and other delicious dishes, Aurora has a warm and inviting downtown vibe with a lively crowd (though thankfully not an "I can't hear you across the table" scene). Moderate pricing makes for an awesome night out with your honey or a small group. And for those preferring the outer boroughs, there's a second location (just as tasty!) in Williamsburg. (ps- they also make a killer brunch!)

Potato lovers rejoice!

There is a place... a heavenly place... where the potatoes are baked and sweet, fried and smashed, pure or smothered with toppings and sauces... The name of this potato utopia is, naturally, Pota*topia.

You see, several months ago, as I was walking home from the W4 subway station, I noticed a small "coming soon" storefront on 6th Ave between Waverly and 8th St. that immediately caught my eye:

Hello friend....

As a life long potato lover (duh), clearly I was going to have to visit this fine institution. Well..! last week I was on my own for dinner, hungry and hopping off the subway when it struck me - my date with potato destiny was THIS night. So I walked in to Pota*topia and was immediately floored by the sheer number of options, combinations, potato styles and sauces...

But fear not my fellow potato loving friends! The helpful staff at Pota*topia is there to support and guide you as you select a pre-created "signature meal" combination or devise your own potato masterpiece...

And while yes, 10ish dollars is a pretty penny for fancily dressed potatoes, if you consider that I was stuffed to the brim after my baked po loaded with homemade veggie chili, fresh veggies and topped off with chipotle sauce, then it's not too bad at all! 

Basically, I cannot sing the praises of this pota-stitution highly enough. I want to go back a bajillion more times to try the smashed and the au gratin, the sweet potatoes and the fries. With so many options,the combination possibilities are endless. Also, they're open late (4am "snack"!? Yes please!!) and have some pretty hysterical/witty branding. So do not delay, get your Pota*topia on today!!!

All around excellent eats

New York City is home to over 4,000 restaurants, but somehow when I'm trying to make plans to eat out, I often feel like I have nowhere to go. Not "nowhere" in the "no options" sense, but nowhere in the "there are so many choices, I can't even think of the places I like in that neighborhood, but I kinda want to try somewhere new, but how do I even know what to consider!?!" sort of nowhere. It's overwhelming... but thankfully, there is The Smith.

The Smith describes itself as "a casual American Brasserie" and since opening its first location in the East Village (3rd btw 10th and 11th) in 2007, the restaurant has since expanded to include locations in Midtown (2nd at 51st) and Lincoln Center (Broadway at 63rd). All three establishments have a similar lively atmosphere accomplished with big black paned windows, white subway tiling and an industrial-meets-French-brasserie decor that is chic, but also inviting. I've been to The Smith for both brunch and dinner and both menus are fantastic!

The Smith's bar is always bustling with people waiting for their table or who just popped in to have a bite from the menu's many Bar Snacks and Starters. I can personally, highly recommend the deviled eggs, beer battered string beans and mac+cheese! I can also vouch for several of the house-made cocktails (Angry Apple, Tickled Pink, Dirty Jane) or go wild and combine one of the homemade sodas with your favorite liquor (I suggest Pomegranite Lime with vodka!!)

The menus at The Smith are almost impossibly diverse, with everything from chicken pot pie, to mussels, to an awesome ahi tuna salad and of course an out of this world burger (don't forget great pasta!!) If you're going for brunch, good luck deciding between sweets off the griddle, staples like steak and eggs and outrageous options like the potato waffle benedict and sicilian baked eggs. The good news is that I've never had a bad bite, no matter what I've ordered.

The Smith is perfect for large groups (most of the locations actually have private rooms if needed), a girl's night out, brunch with your in-laws or even a date because the atmosphere is lively and the tasty menu has something for everyone. Next time you have "nowhere" to go, remember The Smith!!

A Foodie's Farewell

Preach!

Last night Dr. H and I went out to dinner with a bestest friend who is moving to Costa Rica for several months. A mutual bff between the two of us, Q is about as special a friend as you can get, so when his departing flight got delayed (for 2 days!) due to weather, we were honored that he and his lovely lady wanted to share his last, last supper, with us. We told him to pick anything he wanted for his "Farewell to NYC" meal and Q went to work thinking about what would be the perfect thing to hold him over until he comes back this summer. The following is a summary of the epic NYC culinary adventure my boy Q took us on last night... hats off to you Q, you definitely know how to eat :)

Located at the corner of Ludlow and Houston since 1888 (though across the street and not called "Katz's Delicatessen" until 1917) Katz's is a New York City institution. If you do deli, you must do Katz's... if you don't do deli, you still must do Katz's (their matzoh ball and split pea soups and knishes are BEYOND). Made even more famous by THIS iconic scene from (my most favorite movie) When Harry Met Sally, Katz's is one of those wonderful places that absolutely refuses to change - the atmosphere is only rivaled by the pastrami.

At Katz's, you order at the counter from a deli guy (ranging from younger than you to as old as your Grandpa), a hot foods guy and a drink guy, all of whom stamp your ticket with what you get and you pay on the way out (unless you want to use credit card; the knish/latke guy can help you with that!) When I go to Katz's, I'm tempted by the brisket and corned beef no doubt, but in my opinion, the pastrami is a no brainer.

Get. In. My. Belly.

When you order your sandwich, the guy fresh slices the meat right from a giant hunk. He even gives you a slice on a little bread plate to nosh while he constructs your masterpiece. Naturally that monstrosity of meat on rye was not enough for this fatty (<-- actual endearingly used high school nickname) so I ordered a side of potato latkes (I miss you Channuka!) Everyone also gets two huge pickles on the side (and you know how Dr. H and I feel about pickles).

We ate until we could eat no more (along with a latke, I packed up 1/4 of a half sour pickle because I was so at my limit, but clearly couldn't leave it behind) and then Q informed us that it was time to move on to dessert. Good lord. "We have to you guys... before I go I need tiramisu." How could we deny that plea? So we cabbed it west to Mezzogiorno for "the best tiramisu in the WORLD" (as declared by Q).

Turns out, Q has been going to Mezzogiorno (Spring at Sullivan St) since he was a little dude visiting NYC with his family so I wondered if the deliciousness he felt was actually nostalgia until I took a bite... You guys, this tiramisu is NO JOKE. Light and sweet, perfectly combining flavors, I'm not even a big tiramisu person and this thing was just... Wow. We also enjoyed a ricotta cheesecake and sweet pudding (both the bees knees). Then we rolled ourselves out the door into the wintery night.

Q, thank you for reminding me just how much I love New York City... and food... and you! Good luck in Costa Rica and come home soon!!

Peels Please

Over the weekend, as I was diving into a tasty Peels tuna salad sandwich, I realized that it's been a while since I did a restaurant review over here and man oh man is Peels worthy of a mention! I discovered Peels, located at 325 Bowery St. (btw E 2nd & 3rd) thanks to a favorite fellow blogger, Rebecca over at The Daily Muse. Always looking to expand my restaurant repertoire, Dr. H and I eventually made a visit of our own and Peels lived up to expectations!

The first thing to love about Peels is the decor. The gorgeous exposed brick, tin ceilings, wood bar, green booths and crown moldings are so beautiful, I wouldn't mind one day having a home that feels just like Peels inside. Peels also has a solid amount of outdoor seating which is great for sunny Sunday morning brunching. Then of course, there is the food:

Tuna Salad Sandwich image via Foodspotting

Though I have only been to Peels for brunch/lunch (served all day!), my love affair with their cuisine is so strong that I'm going to guess dinner is a home run too. I've tested all matter of their eggs, their salads are made with greens so fresh you can taste the healthiness and their pastries, from biscuits and bread to muffins and donuts are straight up killa. But for the Peels pièce de résistance, one absolutely must order the "Build a Biscuit"....

"Build-a-Biscuit" image via Foodspotting

The Peels Build-a-Biscuit invites you to pile on to a (super tasty) buttermilk biscuit any (or all!) of the following: eggs, bacon, sausage, fried chicken, country ham, avocado, cheese and gravy. When the bartender (awesome bloody mary's in case you were wondering) proposed I order his personal favorite of scrambled eggs, fried chicken, bacon, pimento (or was it jalapeno?) cheese and gravy, I couldn't say no (and was thrilled that I didn't!) Gluttony well spent, my biscuit was hands down one of the best breakfasts I've ever eaten.

With large upstairs and down stairs dining rooms (plus outdoor seating), a basic menu which gets manageably adventurous while sticking to a reasonable price point and truly delicious food, Peels is an awesome spot for brunch, lunch (and I'm sure dinner!) with friends. (PS- they also deliver!)

Note: Unless otherwise attributed, all images shown are the work of Rebecca Baust, The Daily Muse. She is an amazing photographer <-- click here to see more.

(Wonderful) Weekend in Review

Hiding from Monday!

There are few things more fantastic than a weekend's worth of plans turning out just as fabulously as you'd built them up in your head to be. So in an attempt to roll around in the awesomeness that was my weekend for just a little while longer (and because if it made me merry, I bet it will make you feel that way too!) here's a recap of my 2 days and 2 nights of weekend glory!

* Dos Caminos Soho

Dinner under the stars...

There are several Dos Caminos restaurants throughout NYC, but the W. Broadway & Houston location is my personal favorite. Nestled into an otherwise bustling corner with a large gated outdoor seating area, you get to enjoy delicious Mexican cuisine with an awesome outdoor ambiance. Far and away my favorite Mexican chain in the city (yup, I'd choose it over Rosa Mexicana) head to Dos Caminos Soho for your next evening of tequila, guacamole and al fresco goodness.

* Annie on Broadway

Oh my goodness, oh my goodness!!

As a kid, Annie was on constant replay in my VCR, so when I heard that the show was returning to Broadway, I knew it would be a Meri must-see. Thankfully, little nieces are perfect companions for such adventures and in the end, I'm not sure which of us enjoyed the show more! The child actors were bursting with talent, Miss Hannigan was as hysterically cruel as ever and the sets and costumes were perfect. Sticking mostly to the original story line (a few changes at the end weren't bothersome) Annie on Broadway fulfilled all my redheaded orphan-loving desires. A must see for those who believe the sun will always come out tomorrow:)

* Keste

Can't go wrong with fresh out of the oven...

Tasty thin crust brick oven pizza, loaded with a variety of fresh toppings, in combinations beyond imagination. Salivating yet? Keste, located on Bleecker St in the W. Village is a fantastic lil pizza joint, with charming ambiance and a salad/appetizer menu that perfectly rounds out your meal. Now serving gluten free pizza so tasty that it's hard to tell the difference (seriously) Keste has something for everyone. (Note: Keste is prone to long wait times during peak dining hours. Consider early eats (we went at 5:30pm) and breeze right to your table).

* Pop Bar

Yum on a stick.

Only in NYC does "Handcrafted Gelato on a Stick" get it's own institution, but thank goodness it does. Pop Bar is a Merry Meri and Dr. H new discovery which continues to impress (the niece and nephew gave it 4 thumbs up). A ridiculous variety of gelato pop flavors are served plain or expertly dipped in fresh chocolate and other crunchy ingredients (pistachios, sprinkles, coconut, etc) to order. Located on Carmine St at 6th Ave (right around the corner from Keste!) I'm certain Pop Bar will be a frequent way to keep cool during the approaching hot summer nights.

* Alice's Tea Cup

For Birthdays and very merry unbirthdays alike!

Holy adorable overload, I am in love with a tea shop! The brilliant idea of a girl friend looking to mix up our usual "dinner and drinks" birthday celebrations, my party of 7 enjoyed unlimited tea, scones, cake, cookies and mini sandwiches in a sunny Alice in Wonderland themed "tea room". With three locations throughout Manhattan, Alice's is perfect for everything from brunch with the ladies (our unlimited menu was just $47 including tax and tip!) to a bridal shower or kid's birthday party (we were very jealous of the face paint jobs on the little ladies attending a party in the private back room!)

The Mac Daddy

Time to get your (mac)cheese on.

When a macaroni and cheese aficionado such as myself tells you that she's just eaten a "top 3 mac cheese of her life", it's time to take note. Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you Beecher's New York, a Seattle import which rocked my (mac)cheese-loving socks off this past Friday night.

According to their website's extensive "Our Story" section, Mr. Kurt Beecher Dammeier was a cheese lover from childhood and his artisan cheese obsession eventually led to the 2003 opening of Beecher's Handmade Cheese in Pike Place market. In June 2011, an NYC outpost was opened at the corner of 21st and Broadway, a cheese shop and cafe upstairs with the warehouse-chic decor clad full bar and restaurant "The Cellar" downstairs. Cue Friday night...

Delightfully cheesey

The Celler at Beecher's is a great spot for group dining. With an extensive drink menu (I took down 2 of their spicy "Henry Ward Beechers" with delight) and meats and cheeses galore, it's easy to chat and graze for hours, but my suggestion is to go for the full meal experience. Sharing one of the cheese covered flatbreads (the "meat: charcuterie, smoked flagship" blew our minds) a veggie plate and the burrata amongst my group of 5 allowed for tasty flavors and a good sampling with enough room left to hit the pièce de résistance hard core... I present to you, the self-proclaimed "World's Best Mac & Cheese":

Be still my heart...

One of six different mac cheese variations on the menu, the World's Best is not messing around. Baked to crispy on top and at the edges, creamy, gooey and just shy of too decadent on the inside, Beecher's mac was a lifetime favorite. (Due to variety of ingredients and texture, I cannot easily rank Beechers against the breadcrumb-on-top Chat n Chew brilliance or a few other variations of the classic I've encountered, so please accept my "lifetime favorite" as a highest possible accolade). Simply put, this mac cheese rocked my world and the tastes I managed to snag of the pork belly version (ordered without fennel by 2 in my party) only served as evidence that I must come back again and again until I've had one of every mac on the menu.

A peak into The Cellar

And in case you were wondering, Beecher's has plenty of non-mac entrees (Dr. H thorough enjoyed his Littleneck Clams) but the mac cheese is definitely their finest. Lastly, it should be noted that Beecher's "cheese-osophy" is that the cheeses are all au naturale, meaning they contain no additives or preservatives and the milk-makers (cow, goat, etc) are all hormone free. Plus, according to their website, they now have a gluten free mac cheese available! Now isn't that just cheese-tastic?

No need for Little Italy...

Another West Village Gem (located off Abingdon Square)

To dine at Piccolo Angolo is to be invited to dinner at the home of the Italian grandparents you never had. From the moment you speak to Renato, the (adorably charming) patriarch of this family run spot to make a reservation, until you stumble out the door, totally stuffed and carrying leftovers, Piccolo is going to have you smiling.

Cozy.

When you step into Piccolo Angolo, prepare for sensory overload. The brick lined interior is small, packed and operating with the volume turned all the way up. The single room with open kitchen in back greets you with delicious smells as you survey the surrounding tables for visual assistance selecting your order. I highly recommend making a reservation in advance to avoid a long wait if you're planning to dine during peak hours.

Order the meatballs. Seriously. Do it.

The (very reasonably priced!) menu at Piccolo is impossibly awesome and even better is that the kitchen is happy to get creative. You want to share one of their ENORMOUS meatballs as an appetizer? No problem! Sub the side order of pasta for linguine with clam sauce? For a small additional cost, Dr. H's wish was their command. The meats and cheeses on their antipasto were legit some of the tastiest I've ever had and I'm pretty sure you could drench anything in their red sauce and it would be mind-blowing (it's that good!) Homemade pastas, fresh seafood, decadent alfredo... I recommend heading to Piccolo with a group if for no other reason than to have more plates on the table to share.

Complimentary garlic bread. YUP!

And perhaps even more than the food (perhaps!) the thing I loved most about Piccolo was the family run charm. When your waitress is yelling "Dad!" to the waiter at the table next to you and she sends her brother over to talk to you about your wine selection, you remember that delicious meals need not come with a side of pretentiousness. 

I can't remember the last time I went out to eat with a group of people, all of whom left the table absolutely RAVING about every single bite. Next time you're looking for an Italian feast, Piccolo Angolo is the spot for you!

"Only in New York..."

I think I shall call it Tartine-y (emphasis on the "tiny")

After reading about the Parisian cafe inspired, reasonably priced, BYOB West Village spot Tartine, it immediately went on my dining to do list. Enter Friday night when Dr. H and I walked 10 soggy minutes to find a line at Tartine's door (no reservations allowed). The hostess indicated that there was no room for us to come inside (hmmm) so we waited for another 10 minutes, hiding from the rain under their awning. Once summoned in, I pulled back the entry curtain to see that the place was PACKED. I mean tables composed like a Tetris game packed. 

What's missing in this pic is 10 more tables and like 100 people

We were then shown to a table so wedged into the corner that we literally had ass-to-face encounters with the neighboring tables as we climbed to our seats (I hope they liked my pleather jeggings!), shouted our order to the waiter (who was physically blocked from getting closer) and cracked open our wine. I looked around and realized why I hadn't noticed the crowd situation from outside - completely steamed up windows. Oh boy. As we finished our (delicious) appetizers (wild arugula salad for me, french onion soup for him) Dr. H was sent over the edge. His forehead glistened as he moaned "it's a sauna in here! Am I sweating? I'm so hot. Ohmygod". I struggled to keep a straight face as I said "it's not so bad, the food is really good!!" knowing in my heart that this was clearly a merry Meri miss. Even the simply prepared and extremely tasty main courses (full menu HERE) could not improve our disastrous accommodations. Wedged into a corner, sweating profusely and unavoidably eavesdropping on the table next to us, thank goodness Tartine is byob because booze is a necessity.

The sauces melt together and fries soak it up and YUM.

Bless my husband's heart for smiling through this meal (I ordered him ice cream for dessert specifically to cool him off, buying myself enough time to enjoy a berry tart and polish off our bottle). As we paid in cash (because you know they can't be bothered with credit card) and shimmied out the door towards fresh air, at least we were laughing. Because only in NYC will a couple wait in the rain to be squished into a bajillion degree restaurant (with 100% humidity) for a delicious (but was it really worth it?) meal.