How many times have you been on the road, eager to seek out the local fare but with little idea where to turn? It’s a regular occurrence for me. I find a great place to start is usually at the local bar – but who knows what to expect behind divey doors? Lovers of good, regional beers who like to […]

Manhattanites – Murray Hill is redeemed: a new gem has hit the neighborhood in the shape of Asian bistro Sachi (at 2nd Ave. and 38th street). Opened a month ago under the prowess of James Beard Award-nominee menu consultant Pichet Ong and Andy Yang, creator of Rhong-Tiam, the first Thai restaurant in the US to win a Michelin star, this is […]

When you step into the sparkling chandeliered and plushly furnished Fushimi in Williamsburg (one of three branches of the pan-Asian restaurant throughout Brooklyn and Staten Island), it feels like a nightclub. Darkened booths, a pumping soundtrack and neon-lit tunnels leading to elaborate bathrooms give the place a bougie feel worthy of glittery heels and a short skirt. Lacking the grit […]

What kind of noise annoys an oyster? The noisy noise of a shucking shell, surely. While unsuspecting bivalves may not be so pleased, shellfish lovers can rejoice: Oyster Week is upon us. Running until September 28th (lucky for us, longer than an actual week), the event is taking over the boroughs with a slew of foodie events in celebration of […]

Food lovers of Brooklyn made a break from their usual brunch routines to gather at East River State park for Taste Williamsburg Greenpoint on Sunday. For under $30 ($30 at the door), those attending could sample four food- and two drink-tastings from neighborhood eateries the likes of Reynard, The Brooklyn Star and Maison Premiere – all against a crystal clear […]

There’s nothing self-respecting New Yorkers like more than free-flowing booze, especially if it’s wine and can double as a sophisticated hobby. Or so it seemed last week as crowds gathered to talk the red stuff at Hell’s Kitchen’s Studio 450, under the auspices of Wines of South Africa. The organization’s “BBQ to Braai” event (braai being Afrikaans for BBQ) was the […]

Cameroon took center stage last week at 42nd Street’s Liberty Theater for a cocktail reception to showcase its national ballet. Hosted by the West African nation’s Minister of Art and Culture, Ama Tutu Muna, in partnership with the country’s Heritage and Arts Foundation, the evening was a cornucopia of dance performances showcasing a wide variety of styles and talent from across […]

As everyone, their mother and their pet dog go away for the summer, us suckers dedicated New Yorkers are left finding creative ways to escape the everyday slog. Coney Island’s great, but kind of a schlep; the idea of tubing in the Catskills appeals, but makes Coney seem a short stroll away; Fire Island? So many transportation changes! What’s the […]

Ever since Noma made a name for itself by putting “dirt” on a plate and calling it gourmet food (the “soil” in its famous Vegetable Field dish is actually malt and hazelnut flour), Nordic gastronomy has been nabbing Michelin stars left, right and center. It’s just too bad Scandinavia is just so darn far away. No plane ticket required, New […]

The seedy corner of Hell’s Kitchen behind Port Authority may not be top of your list of Manhattan destinations, but it deserves a second look – and not for the strange whale murals on 41st street (sorry, mustachioed artist dude). If you ever find yourself skidding west from Times Square and in need of a bite, there’s welcome respite for […]