cherrypatter nyc

i haven’t had the best of luck with spanish food.  j and i have been to barcelona and madrid (5 months pregnant so that may have had something to do with it) and both times we never really found that nirvana in tapas eating.  we kept trying out different spots, trying to pick what looked like the locals favorites though we often went way too early as we could never seem to adjust to that post 10 or 11 p.m. eating time.  but each time, whether recommended (and we did have terrible luck with the time out guides) or not we struck out.   so every tortilla español just seemed dreary and dull, the meats were fine but nothing to rave about and the veggies often too greasy to make into much of a meal. 

i have been hoping to break my bad run on tapas, and given the rave reviews i have been wanting to go to tia pol since it opened back in 2004 but i just never wanted to brave the crowds.  finally, a friend and i were free one of those lazy august nights and so we made our way there and only had to wait 40 minutes since the rest of manhattan was vacationing somewhere.  and yes, i am happy to report i have now had one of the best tapas meals of my life.  not everything was spectacular but there were enough fabulous treats to keep coming back.

first off, i am incredibly addicted to tia pol’s blistered peppers with sea salt.  coated with some delicious olive oil, they were spicy and chewy, each one a little bit different, and so fresh.  the cheesy croquetas were also fantastic.  hot, light, liquidy cheese and if we hadn’t gotten these at the end of our meal i am sure i would have insisted on a second order.  i also loved the lamb skewers which were juicy, pink  and tender.  less successful dishes at tia pol included the piquillos rellenos de ensaladilla rusa (sweet peppers filled with potato salad and topped with white tuna) and the pork loin sandwich, which while good just seemed a little pedestrian. i felt like i was filling up on not the best stuff. 

and i know i never talk about wine, mostly because i feel like i don’t know anything about it and while i know what i like (usually a pinot noir kind of red but i’m flexible) and really what i don’t like (most white wines unless they are really cold and really really good).  tia pol has a pretty extensive list so i am sure someone more expert could evaluate that much better than i could.  we ended up getting the penedes pinord la nansa 2008 which went for $35.  recommended by our friendly, and pretty attentive server (well maybe too much after he saw my camera at the end of the meal), it was very tasty and went well with all the tapas.

although there are egg dishes on tia pol’s menu, i just couldn’t bring myself to try one and see if maybe i could understand what i’m missing there.   i do need to visit tia pol again soon though as there are so many other tempting things on the menu.  i could make a whole meal out of the the patatas bravas, the fried chickpeas, the chorizo with bittersweet chocolate, the fava beans and the razor clams.   it’s a little cozy in there, so i’d recommend keeping the party to no more than 4 and 2 is ideal.   tia pol, 205 10th avenue between 22nd and 23rd streets, manhattan, new york, .

it is a very seriously good thing that we do not live too close to the bergen street stop on flatbush avenue or i would destroy what exists of our family budget.  i am a wee obsessed with bklyn larder, and mostly lately is has been all about their blt.  it’s not big, but the white bread (many of the breads are from sullivan street bakery or grandaisy)  is firm and tasty and gently toasted, the mayonnaise, tomato and bacon ratios are really quite perfect, and the quality of each ingredient is so good i could keep coming to bklyn larder every weekend just for that.   the sandwiches may also be the most reasonably priced item in the shop, at between $7 and $8.50. other options during our latest visit included a grilled cheddar, a prosciutto and butter, a tuna, egg and anchovy and finally a salami (from salumeria biellese) and provolone with hot pickles.

bklyn larder opened up this summer, an offshoot of my beloved franny’s.   in some ways it is not much different then blue apron and bierkraft in terms of the many specialty items, cheeses, and cured meats that they carry.  there are plenty of exotic spices like piment d’espelette, six kinds of salt and exotic jams like ones made from maida white cilantro figs.  bklyn larder carries some of the usual unique brooklyn goodies like early bird granola, nunu chocolates and salvatore bklyn ricotta that we can really get many places and so i might not venture this far north.  however, i would make the trip for some of  bklyn larder basic cooking stocks like veal, red wine jus and pork brodo that i just would never make myself, and i can only imagine are quite tasty.   

however, i think bklyn larder really stand out in the neighborhood for their spectacular prepared foods which really do tower over what’s available over at union market(good in a pinch but i really prefer to use them for meat and fish if i cannot make it over to court street).    we fell in love with bklyn larder’s roast pork which was so tender and melting, which we ate one night with some green veggies that i cannot remember but were equally delicious.   some other recent selections included duck confit, marinated beets with olives and almonds, poached chicken with salsa verde. red rice salad with corn and provolone dolce, marinated local squid with pimenton and chickpeas, marinated mushrooms with shallots and limes and marinated eggplant.   i really might never make dinner again if i passed by bklyn larder often.

and i cannot forget dessert, though i wish bklyn larder would make more of their baked goods.  they have a bunch of chocolates madecase chocolate and taza chocolates, and some cupcakes and cookies from one girl cookies (wish they had my more favorite whoopie pies).  last but not least, i have to mention bklyn larder’s maybe not quite up-to-snuff gelato. i have always totally loved the gelato at franny’s so i had high hopes.  but for $9 a pint, i don’t know that i can do another taste test there (the flavors include espresso, hazelnut, chocolate chip, pistachio and almond).  the strawberry that we tried earlier this summer was so incredibly sweet i couldn’t eat more than one bite. and that almost never happens. regardless, with a small counter great for people watching up and down flatbush avenue, i will be back soon at bklyn larder for that sandwich.   bklyn larder, 228 flatbush avenue between bergen street and 6th avenue, brooklyn, new york, .

although very early on in our little courtship, j and i made it to the rainbow room, i think unfortunately we didn’t time it right or go to the right event there.  despite the incredible art deco space, that night seemed to have been filled with tourists which made it just a little less special if you know what i mean.  now of course the room is no longer open so that glorious space is gone for now.  another way to get those great views of new york  and have a drink is by visiting the top of the rock at rockefeller center. 

this new event sponsored by the top of the rock, called the starlight music series at the top of the rock is an excellent excuse to make your way over there.  running for the next few weeks on wednesday nights only, the lineup includes the mark berman jazz trio (apparently well known for their sex and the city theme song), beledo on spanish guitar and jeanne koehler on harp. this seems like a pretty great way to enjoy the last remnants of summer as we head into the chillier weather.   for some ideas as to where to eat and possibly even shop before hand, see my mini guide below.  top of the rock, 30 rockefeller plaza, entrance on 5th avenue between 5th and 6th avenue, manhattan, new york, .  a ticket to top of the rock grants free access to the music series (from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.).

i feel like i was just hovering in the midtown area with my bryant park post only a month ago but thought that this top of the rock event was too good not to write about, and really 10 blocks away in midtown could be another city given the density, so one more midtown guide for the fall is in order.  with a focus just around 50th street and 5th avenue, there really are some different options on both the food and even the shopping front, which while challenging if you’re not into the flagship chains (this is definitely where the best of the big stores often are), i came up with a few ideas without having to venture too far east.

 

 

food:

 

güllüoglu: this new turkish spot a bit further east looks like a great find from midtown lunch with amazing looking ful boregi and lots of baklava.   982 2nd avenue on 52nd street, manhattan, new york, .   

 

anthos upstairs:   this slightly less fancy, and definitely more affordable version of anthos with greek style lamb burgers, lamb tartare and a beet and feta salad all priced between $9 and $15 each this might be the perfect spot after hitting top of the rock.    36 west 52nd street between 5th and 6th avenues, manhattan, new york, .

 

minamoto kitchoan: am amazing super pricey japanese sweets spot (pictured above).  great for gifts or that perfectly formed mochi or taiyaki. 608 5th avenue between 48th and 49th streets, manhattan, new york, .    

 

 shops:

merci/gap pop up store: i am dying to check out this pop up store associated with what seems like the amazing merci, a french boutique (the paris store pictured above).  with offerings like custom embroidered jeans, eclectic clothing and accessories chosen by merci and some fragrances, jewelry and ornaments, i think i must get myself to midtown right away since it’s only on till october 4th.  680 fifth avenue at the corner of 54th street, manhattan, new york, .

the red caboose:  a full service train shop that’s been around since 1946.  this is one focused shop full of all sorts of train related paraphernalia so if you are a subway or train junkie this is the place. 23 west 45th street between 5th and 6th avenues, manhattan, new york, .

henri bendel: probably my very favorite department store. their selection and ideas are always amazing, and not quite as off the wall as barney’s but probably the same price range.  really excellent eye candy.  712 fifth avenue near 56th street, manhattan, new york, .

so i’m feeling guilty for playing hooky yesterday and not doing my usual daily post. since i started this blog in january, i have been very good about posting during the week except for my (self-approved) vacations.  but yesterday my routine just was out of whack, and most importantly, working  with the amazing rachel who is the technical wizard behind one of our favorite kid cd’s gustafer yellowgold, i made huge progress on the maps that i am hoping to roll out this fall.  and so well, the post suffered — poor guy.  but here he is, and soon, i’ll have lovely maps too — yay!

this summer, i stumbled upon commune, and though its treasures are small they are definitely worth seeking out.  commune is a five-year old hair salon and a tiny gift shop all rolled up in one with a japanese sensibility (one of its owners is from japan).   the owners try hard to create a certain calm, beautiful environment, and everything looks well designed and placed.  commune changes their exterior displays with help from artists every season and is also dedicated to all things organic. 

the shop is really just a tiny selection of goodies.  first off, there are vintage brass and silver pill boxes and lighters as well as antique tiny animals.  there is also a section with some leather goods like black and white penny coin cases by a’n'd  and flat heeled bags and shirt jersey ties.  the jewelry selection was lovely, limited to local, unique designers with lots of delicate gold and silver pieces. on my visit, commune was featuring  iwona ludyga, ema takahashi, digby & iona and boo kat nyc.  the prices were generally reasonable with most necklaces falling in the low 100 range.   they have a few other random services, like being able to get a kimono kitsuke in case you need to be outfitted in a kimono. 

and not surprising, with the salon theme come some fancy organic shampoos and marbled bath soaps.  commune also sold solid perfumes in lavender and hinoki and handmade lip gloss in clear, orange and red. 

the commune salon space is great too – open, high ceilings with a huge skylight where it would be quite comforting to while a way a few hours.  unfortunately,  i cannot rate the salon’s quality (sorry, i am very very loyal to lena over at salon de quartier on smith street), but commune has reasonable prices at $50 to $60 for a cut, and highlights range from $100 to $250.   on the quality of their color work are mixed, but many raved about their super value cuts and everyone loved the aromatherapy head massages.  while i’m not as interested in the salon, i’ll be back for the stuff.  commune salon & gift, 191 grand street between bedford and driggs avenues, brooklyn, new york, .

while i have been enjoying the bahn mi phenomenon, i cannot say i have tried what seem like the dozens of places out there to see  what was best. i just remember being excited about 5  years ago or so (maybe even more) when there was one tiny shop that opened up in the grand central station food market.  it didn’t last too long, but that was the only place at that time where i could find bahn mi. it wasn’t the best, but at least it existed.

now of course, there are tons of these spots.  my favorite in brooklyn (at least near me, i haven’t tried this one out in sunset park) is nicky’s vietnamese, though i tend to order frequently from as they deliver to my office.  at my friend’s urging, though, i opted to check out num pang in the village. in a super convenient location to lots of movie theaters so this is a very good spot for last minute food before a movie. 

and num pang, although not technically a bahn mi shop, serves what they say are cambodian style sandwiches that look remarkably like bahn mi with a twist to me complete with the pickled carrots, mayo and cilantro but no pate. i have no idea if these sandwiches are authentic cambodian or not, but it doesn’t really matter as i thought the quality and taste were excellent.  i had the five spiced pork belly served with pickled rhubarb, and j. had the house cured duck breast with home made raspberry and basil jam.   the baguettes were crunchy and chewy, while my meat was a little too fatty, the flavors in the duck one were spectacular (and i don’t even like duck).   i also tried out the grilled corn which was juicy and not overcooked, and while it doesn’t look so appealing above it really was spicy and delicious.

my main disappointment came at the end with what looked like a spectacular snowcone with sweet and sour cherries that had been macerated in spicy port wine.   maybe something was just off in the making  given other good reviews this shaved ice treat got, but i felt like i got lots of ice and almost no flavor.  definitely not worth the $3.80 but i’m probably willing to give num pang another go for the other sandwiches.  i’d like to try the grilled skirt steak, the coconut tiger shrimp and the hoisin veal meatballs so i guess i will be back very soon.  num pang, 21 east 12th street between 5th avenue and university place, manhattan, new york, .

the brooklyn star had been on my list as soon as it opened this past may in williamsburg.  the guy behind it, joaquin baca is a momofuku alum, so i was pretty interested in what he might do all on his own with this southern focused comfort food joint.  when i finally made it out this july, things were pretty tasty if a little heavy.   the space is small and cute, though the seating was extremely uncomfortable (and i rarely complain about things like that) so that was kind of weird. maybe i needed some alcohol to help me forget how squashed i felt, but sadly their liquor license was and is still pending.   

the star dish for us at the brooklyn star that night was shrimp and grits with a fried egg.  the grits were well seasoned and thick, the shrimp nice and fresh and not overcooked and the egg was lovely and runny.   the fried green tomatoes with tomato vinagrette were also excellent.  firm, lightly fried and super hot.  and our other main course was the barbecued catfisth with creamed corn and fried cucumbers.  also very tasty though on the heavy side considering the other dishes we had.  the brooklyn star’s cornbread with jalapeno and bacon was served piping hot but was not terribly exciting, and probably not a good balance with the other food we were eating.   our only dessert option that night was fried strawberries which was too much considering what else we had already eaten.  i’ve read since that they sometimes have lighter options like a lemon verbena granita which would be an improvement.  

i know i’ve been a little lukewarm on my brooklyn star review –  it doesn’t meet my usual standards of what to post.  but i put it in as i think the brooklyn star is a good neighborhood place, particularly for these upcoming cooler months, though not a destination spot.  it’s reasonably priced and has a fun atmosphere and my guess it will only get better.  the brooklyn star doesn’t seem to attract the same huge scene as fette sau, but it also doesn’t have fanciness of dressler.  the menu has lots of other appealing options that i’d love to try like the dr. pepper ribs, their hot meatloaf sandwich and the fried pig tails.  the brooklyn star, 33 havemeyer street between north 7th and north 8th streets, brooklyn, new york, .

 

when i was growing up i was obsessed with tennis and i watched all the major tournaments on t.v. for hours.  and so the us open was a particularly amazing thing for me, especially when i first got to go there in person after moving to new york.  i couldn’t believe you just got on the subway and in 30 minutes or so you were there.  while i have taken the us open more for granted the longer we’ve been here (and we don’t get to go as often as it is not exactly a little kid kind of activity), it is still definitely a draw and when we can we try to make our way out to queens for some of that tennis magic.   

and i don’t pretend to be an expert on the tennis scene these days.   my memories are stuck way back in the ’70s and ’80s.  but as far as i can tell, there may still be some remaining great matches this weekend.  rafael nadal is supposed to finish off his semi-final match today if the weather clears up, and if he wins he’ll be up against roger federer again.  on the women’s side of things, serena williams is still in there, and her semi-finals match against kim clijsters today might be the perfect one to watch today.   and in case you can’t make it, this audio slideshow from the new york times gives some on the ground grunting from serena — just in case you were missing monica seles.

regardless of who is playing, the us open tennis center is a great outdoor setting especially if the sun actually comes out.   my favorite thing to do is to get tickets for the weekend before the finals and just watch some of the lesser known players.  you can go in and out of the courts easily, and it is also much much cheaper.  getting tickets for these big games can definitely be a burden.   and going out to the us open tennis center is really just another excuse to explore all that amazing food in queens right near there which i’ve laid out some of the ideas in the post below.  us open tennis center, take the number 7 train to the mets-willets point station in queens, new york. more detailed directions are here.

so the williams sisters are back in the us open finals for the first time since 1999, and if they win they will have their 10th grand slam title.  they have a ways to go to beat martina navratilova’s record but it’s not bad given how infrequently they seem to play doubles (their record so far is 9-0).  

 

so if you do want to head out to the us open tennis center, you definitely can find food there and it’s fine. plenty of reviews here, here, here and here.   but i would highly recommend eating either before or after and checking out amazing asian spots nearby as well as a few other kinds of food.  most of these places require some travel to get there — but it’s worth it.

my personal food experience out in queens is way too limited, so these are mostly the ideas that popped out from research and i thought it would be helpful to have them all in one place.  you can see more of these kinds of roundups from  about.com and several threads at chowhound and serious eats.  i’ve decided to forgo shopping ideas for now.  not sure how much great shopping there is to really get in flushing so maybe for another post. 

dim sum:

• : supposed to be pretty good and a bonus is that it opens at 9 a.m. 37-02 main street , queens, new york, .
• : another supposedly good dim sum place. 136-28 39th avenue, queens, new york, .

other asian:

• sripraphai:  this is my favorite thai place in all of new york. just be sure to go with some adventuresome eaters.  64-13 39th avenue, queens, new york,
• : supposed to have excellent sichuan food.  39-07 prince street, queens, new york, .
• : known for their lamb burgers. golden shopping mall, 41-28 main street, basement #36, queens, new york, .
• : supposed to be a dumpling spot.  135-02 roosevelt avenue, #5, queens, new york, .

other ideas:

• donovan’s pub: many seem to be obsessed with their burgers. 57-24 roosevelt avenue at 58th street, queens, new york, .
• la esquina criolla: argentinian place supposed to be known for their skirt steaks. a bit further away. 94-67 corona avenue, queens, new york, .
• tortas neza taco truck: the village voice did a pretty good rundown on taco trucks. it’s a bit dated but still might be useful.  roosevelt avenue between 111th and 112th streets, queens, new york.
• mama’s: great heros. serious eats recommends the roast turkey hero with mozzarella and gravy.  46-02 104th street, queens, new york, .

i am happy to report that after months of not reading much at all — this is what happens when you work all day, feed the kids and put them to bed eventually, then spend the later evening hours glued to the computer — i have finally started to read again.  thanks to our little vacation, i managed to get through nearly two books.  not exactly a record, but for me at this time of my life pretty good.  and maybe not the most exciting ones (born round, a little too food obsessed, and now my life in france which is now making me really want a proper biography of julia child) but at least i was reading.

so now i have yet another excuse to go to a bookstore. well, actually, i never need an excuse as i always have a pile of books nearby that i should/could be reading, but sometimes i cannot help myself.  for basic bookstores, i have only a few real book shop loves in new york and with this post i might have listed them all (the other is three lives and i do like mcnally jackson and posman books for product but they don’t have much character). 

crawford doyle booksellers might be my all time favorite bookstore anywhere. it’s small. it’s well organized. it’s neither quaint nor modern. it has an incredible selection, and mostly i want to buy nearly every book they lay out on the table.  the staff are incredibly knowledgeable and i am just envious that they get to work at this fantastic shop.  it is also very well located for post or pre museum shopping.  the corner bookstore, also located on the upper east side though not as conveniently, is also quite lovely, especially for their children’s selection.  as with crawford doyle, they have great staff, amazing choices and it is somewhere i could easily spend an hour.

i guess it’s a good thing that brooklyn (at least south brooklyn — i have yet to visit word brooklyn in greenpoint so maybe that place will do it for me too) does not have such compelling book shops or i would easily spend oodles of money and maybe even read a bit more.   crawford doyle and the corner bookstore are excellent excellent places to visit.  crawford doyle booksellers, 1082 madison avenue between 81st and 82nd streets, .  the corner bookstore, 1313 madison avenue between 92nd and 93rd streets, . both in manhattan, new york.