November, 2011

Pants Obsession: Fancy Tuna in Olive Oil

I never had much interest in Nicoise salads until I discovered the truest way that they are served: with fancy tuna in olive oil.  Far better than its seared Ahi cousin, fancy tuna in olive oil is a true delicacy, fancier and better bred than its bumble bee brother.  Even since having a revelation at the Grand Hotel du Cap...
3

Buttons Bursting

Strip House- A Good Place to “Meat”

Pants at a Glance
  • scene: Sexy red walls add a bordello type feel, with old fashioned masculine touches that keep it from being hokey; cozy and buzzy at the same time
  • sip: A dirty martini at a steakhouse necessity; slightly over-priced wines available by glass and bottle
  • savor: Steakhouse faves with decadent twists; garlic bread with gorgonzola fondue; truffle creamed spinach; 24 layer chocolate cake
  • sit: This place is really good for just about any carnivore gathering- dates, large groups, or Guy's Night Out; seats at the bar go fast, but the environment is far from stuffy, so it could be both a special occasion place or just your go-to steak joint
  • spend: $$$
  • address: 13 East 12th Street (between University and 5th)
  • phone number: 212-328-0000
  • website: www.striphouse.com

Pants Rant- High Pressure Salads

There is nothing simple about getting your salad tossed these days.  I know that this is NYC, and especially at lunch time, people are not messing around.  That said, recent visits to places that specialize in custom salads- Chop’t, Just Salad- have left me in a state of anxiety akin to getting my shoes, sweater, and coat off, laptop out...

Pants Rant- Blue Water Grill

I get it…a lot of servers want to be actors.  I understand that acting like you are happy to be serving spoiled brats like me day in and day out could be great preparation for a role one day, and that acting happy to be in uncomfortable shoes for 10 hours a day could be great for your craft.  However,...
2

Buttons Undone

Bet on Saxon and Parole

Pants at a Glance
  • scene: Steakhouse-light; Not quite Barnyard on the Bowery, but there is rustic horsey theme; low lights and some manly touches
  • sip: Old Fashioned; seasonal speciality cocktails and slightly over-priced wines by the glass
  • savor: Chicken Liver Pot of Deliciousness; razor clam appetizer; pork chop; potato salad
  • sit: This could be a good place to Bro-out, or take people on an expense account; groups of women could try to find lighter bites on the menu, but I think men would appreciate this place a little bit more
  • spend: $$$
  • address: 316 Bowery (at Bleecker)
  • phone number: 212-254-0350
  • website: www.saxonandparole.com