July, 2012

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Feels so Right, but yet so Wong

Pants at a Glance
  • scene: Dimly lit and rustic, it doesn't scream "Asian", but rather just simply "cool"
  • sip: Refreshing custom cocktails; a nice cold brew to manage the spice
  • savor: Duck buns; Shrimp Fritters; Lobster Egg Foo Young
  • sit: With an adventurous date at the counter (cheaper than tix to Vietnam); with a group of foodie friends who like to share (their food)
  • spend: $$
  • address: 7 Cornelia Street (off of 6th, look for the red "W")
  • phone number: (212) 989-3399
  • website: www.wongnewyork.com
Extra Fancy Oyster Crackers
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Getting Extra Fancy in Williamsburg

Pants at a Glance
  • scene: NOT Extra Fancy! Williamsburg locals and some recognizable NYC cool kids in the restaurant scene (the owners are from Employees Only & Macao Trading Company)
  • sip: Amazing sounding drink menu (esp the Baby, You're Driving cocktail), and tons of options for beer and wine by the glass.
  • savor: Oyster "Crackers", Fried Clam Belly Roll, Mussels, Clam Bake
  • sit: No reservations, so arrive early and be prepared to drink. Booths for two in the back were cozy, however the large bar in front had a great crowd when we left and would also be perfect to eat at
  • spend: $$
  • address: 302 Metropolitan Ave (between Driggs Ave & Roebling St), Williamsburg (North Side)
  • phone number: (347) 422-0939
  • website: http://www.extrafancybklyn.com/
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Westville… A Gem of the West Vill (along with East Vill, and now Chelsea)

Pants at a Glance
  • scene: If you are lucky enough to grab a table, you will be surrounded by your West Village neighbors and students
  • sip: No booze, but wine and beer are offered
  • savor: Daily Veggies, Turkey Chili, Greek Salad
  • sit: With budget-conscious friends, a casual date
  • spend: $
  • address: Multiple - 210 W 10th St, off of Bleeker
  • phone number: (212) 741-7971
  • website: www.westvillenyc.com
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Esca- Seaside ESCApade

Pants at a Glance
  • scene: Pseudo rustic Italian seaside in the Theater District with casual elegance; touristas and well-heeled NYC'ers who make the trek
  • sip: BBBBBBBBarola; BBBBBBarbaresco
  • savor: Baked clams; Pastas; Fresh Grilled Fish
  • sit: With anyone pre-theater; with Food Network aficionados who want to see what this Batali is all about; anyone who might have to drive back to NJ after dinner, it is close to the Lincoln Tunnel
  • spend: $$$
  • address: 402 West 43rd Street (off of 10th Ave)
  • phone number: (212) 564-7272
  • website: www.esca-nyc.com
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The NoMad- Happy to be in NoMad’s land

Pants at a Glance
  • scene: Slightly funky old/new vibe; skylight keeps the dining room light, and the big dark wood bar in the bar is impressive; the library will be cozy in the winter but is a little dark now
  • sip: A list of 30 custom cocktails is offered; when we asked for some guidance we were met with slight attitude, but the bartender eventually came around; well-rounded wine list full of surprises
  • savor: Trout; Snap pea salad; Winner Winner Chicken Dinner
  • sit: With at least one other person to share the chicken; with your parents, foodie friends from out of town, friends who live in the neighborhood
  • spend: $$$
  • address: 1170 Broadway (at 28th Street)
  • phone number: (212) 796-1500
  • website: www.thenomadhotel.com