NEW YORK - May 2009

Milk & Honey

Milk & Honey opened in New York in January 2000 and is located on Manhattan's Lower East Side. Entrance is by referral and appointment only. Many New Yorkers assume that M&H is an urban myth but access is easy for London members seven nights a week until 4am. The place itself is owner Sasha's personal retaliation against celebrity-obsessed nightlife. One of the bar's rules prohibits "name-dropping and starfucking"; only mellow, non-famous folk receive the unlisted address; and all must call ahead to be buzzed in through the surveillance system-equipped door. The space encompasses a candlelit lounge, a four-seat bar and a few reservation-only booths. Sasha himself meticulously prepares each expensive cocktail, with blood oranges for screwdrivers and fresh mint for mojitos. Drinks often arrive with complimentary warm nuts or honey-drizzled sliced fruit. The intended effect is achieved—even a nice nobody can feel like royalty. That is, if you can get on the guest list.

Extra
Despite the fact that everybody's in the same club, groups at Milk and Honey don't tend to mingle. And don't even think of scoring phone numbers: Sasha has ordained that, "Gentleman will not introduce themselves to ladies."


From citysearch - http://newyork.citysearch.com/profile/11351686/

* Once buzzed through the unmarked door of this "tailor shop," the lucky few enter a sanctum of hushed reverence. The dimly lit space, which feels trapped in time, has several deep, cozy banquettes and a small bar. A single waiter gently whisks drinks on a candle-lit platter to and from the bar. The only sounds are the murmur of voices and the shaking of cocktails. It's not about being famous, and patrons range wildly in age, dress and social status. The drinks, guided by owner and cocktail celebrity Sasha Petraske's impeccable taste, are renowned for their inventiveness and nuance. There's no drink list; guests can ask for a specific concoction or make general requests about flavors and liquors and wait for the creative returns.

Milk & Honey / 134 Eldridge St. / New York, NY 10002 / 212.625.3397 / http://www.mlkhny.com/newyork/newyork.php




Lupa Osteria Romana




Review
http://nymag.com/listings/restaurant/lupa-osteria-romana/

Lupa Osteria Romana / 170 Thompson St., New York, NY 10012 / 212-982-5089 / http://www.luparestaurant.com/


Bread

A stylish, pint-size panini parlor in SoHo that serves more than just paninis. Neighboring Balthazar supplies the ciabatta rolls and baguettes—the crusty building blocks for a dozen or so terrific, beautifully presented Italian sandwiches. Sandwich standouts include: Sicilian sardines with tomato and "Thai-pepper mayonnaise" on a baguette with a hot and crispy crust but a soft, moist crumb; aged Genoa salami with nutty Taleggio and a swipe of olive tapenade on ciabatta; and rich Italian tuna with lemon dressing on ciabatta.

At night, candles glow against this restaurant's silvery interior. A metallic bar and burnished open kitchen contrast the white-washed brick walls hung with local art, and ethereal indie music enhances the intimate mood. Though the name refers to goods procured from renowned bakery Balthazar down the block, Bread makes a name for itself with fresh and honest Italian fare. The bread stands out in signature sandwiches, but even loaf-less dishes exceed expectations. Don't overlook the ever-popular, marinara-rich tomato soup, thickened with seasonings and Parmesan cheese.


Bread / 20 Spring St. / New York, NY 10012 / 212.334.1015

NEW YORK

The Waverly Inn and Garden

Vanity Fair editor Graydon Carter’s semi-private, revamped Waverly Inn is rumored to only take reservations via a special private phone number and/or e-mail address unless you show up on the restaurant’s doorstep in person two days prior to your desired dinner date. Luckily for me, I went with a friend who knows Doug, bartender extrordinare, and in my opinion, assuming he likes you, one of the best reasons to go to The Waverly in the first place (though the ever present paparazzi and star crazed patrons may not all necessarily agree).

We started with Doug’s latest concoction, the Cherry Blossom, a spring-minded martini of muddled cherrys and various other tasty ingredients. He recommended a great red I wish I could remember and by the end of the night let me try the homemade fresh garlic tomato water that was the base of his tomato martini, no longer on the menu but I bet must have been great. We ordered the tuna tartare, some version of which seems to be on everyone's menu the last few years, made of finely mashed tuna and a layer of avacado. I enjoyed it, but still think Magnolia’s version in LA is my favorite. Next we tried the Grilled Veggie and Country salads, the latter topped with a poached egg. Then we ordered the infamous $60 black truffle mac and cheese that was $85 when we were there because truffles were almost out of season. Though I don’t think it justifies the price, it is truly delicious; fresh grated black truffles on creamy Vermont cheddar covered macaroni. Doug insisted on either the apple crumble or bananas Foster for dessert and we obliged and ordered the Foster.

I’m not sure the food is as unbelievable as the hype surrounding this place, but it was quite good. Its one of those places that just feels good when you're there. The décor is dramatic, cozy and inviting and Doug is superb.

The Waverly Inn and Garden / 16 Bank St / New York, NY 10014 / 212.243.7900 / Cross: Between 4th St & Waverly St / Directions: A, C, E; L at 14th St-8th Ave

BURGERS - NYC

Shake Shack

This alfresco burger joint sits in the middle of Manhattan’s Madison Square Park (at Madison Avenue and 23rd Street). The urban-retro “shack” rests beneath the park’s canopy of trees recalling 1950s chic to New Yorkers who have made the place so popular the line can sometimes stretch to the park's southeast entrance. I would advise going off peak hours (an hour or two before or after lunch) if you want to minimize your wait.
The Shake Shack burger taste is unique to some of NY’s other favorites (Corner Bistro and Burger Joint, both mentioned below) due to the sirloin-brisket combination used in their patties. And did I mention the Chicago-style dogs and St. Louis-style frozen custards? Simply delicious.

Shake Shack / Madison Square Park / New York, NY 10010 / 212.889.6600 / Cross: Madison Avenue and 23rd Street / Directions: N, R, W at 23rd St; 6 at 23rd St. / http://www.shakeshacknyc.com/




Corner Bistro
If you call yourself a New Yorker, chances are you’ve eaten at this classic tavern in West Greenwich Village at least once. And if you’re really a New Yorker, you'll know that the best time to do that is a weekday afternoon, when Corner Bistro is mellow and charming. Regardless of the time you visit, the real reason everyone goes is the Bistro Burger: an eight-ounce thick slab of juicy grilled beef piled several inches high with melted cheese, bacon and raw onions, served on a paper plate. And at $6.75, it’s not only delicious; it’s one of the cheapest eats you'll find in NYC.

Corner Bistro / 331 W 4th St. / New York, NY 10014 / Cross: Jane Street and 8th Avenue / Directions: A, C, E at 14th St; L at 8th Ave / 212.242.9502 / http://cornerbistro.ypguides.net/

Burger Joint
Inside the posh Le Parker Meridien, a lone neon burger sign points around a curtained corner to the city's "secret" hole-in-the-wall burger obsession.

Burger Joint / Le Parker Meridien / 118 W 57th St / New York, NY 10019 / 212.245.5000 / www.parkermeridien.com/eat4.php