MAROONS - 16th Street between 8th and 7th Avenues

Oh my goodness!! What a fantastic meal. Maroons serves southern and Jamaican food. The Chelsea location of the restaurant consists of two rooms dimly lit and excellent for a date or a nice dinner with friends. The staff was welcoming and offered great service. Your evening starts off with a warm piece of corn bread, the best I have ever had. It was so moist it might as well have been cake. One of the people I was with actually rolled his eyes because the bread was just heavenly. I ordered the day's special which was grilled tilapia (fish for those not familiar) served over fried sweet plantains and sauteed spinach and topped with slivers of fried yams. The dish was so fantastic I couldn't leave any behind. The fish was served with a light cream sauce that was unobtrusive and lightly complemented the naturally succulent fish. The spinach and plantains were a great accompaniment. I got to sample the meatloaf which was deliciously seasoned and mouth watering. It was served with mashed potatoes and succotash. The serving of fried chicken was hefty but so fantastic, again too good to leave any behind. Now, despite the fact that we had all eaten every bit of food on our plates and no business looking at the dessert menu, the meal had been so good we just had to see if the dessert was in the same league. was. The sheet cake and red velvet cake were both warm, moist, and just sweet enough. You could smell the buttery icing as you brought the fork to your lips and that just made it all the better. This place is a definite keeper.

FAT WITCHES, RICE RICHES, AND TASTY FRENCH DELIGHTS, OH MY!




Fat Witch - (http://www.fatwitch.com/) Chelsea Market, 9th Avenue between 15th and 16th Streets
Decadently delicious brownies like the original Fat Witch, Fat Witch Walnut, the Blonde Witch, the Wicked Witch (fudge & mint), and more. Free samples are always available. A large brownie costs $2.50 and brownie babies are $1.25.

Rice to Riches - (http://www.ricetoriches.com/) 37 Spring Street between Mott & Mulberry Streets
Welcome to a world of Rice Pudding. This is heaven for those of us who find the arroz con leche irresistable. The flavor menu changes with the season and creative drive of the chefs. There are generally about 20 flavors available. Some of my favorites include Coconut Coma, Perfectly Legal Pecan Pie, The Edge of Run Raisin, and Sex Drugs & Rocky Road. Enjoy your pudding in the store or get it to go. If you're lucky enough to live in the neighborhood, I'm sure you know that this place delivers. If you're a tourist who gets hooked, no worries, Rice to Riches delivers anywhere in the country.


La Bergamote - 169 Ninth Avenue
A little bit of Paris in the heart of Chelsea. There are sandwiches available, which I've heard described as awesome, but I've only ever had the sweets. The almond toast are fantastique! Tarts, croisants, and an array of other pastries available. This place is cash only so be prepared.

FAVORITES

What a better way to start this blog than by listing some of my favorite places to eat in the city. You will likely notice some trends (I love most things Chinese and Latino), but hey that's why these are MY favorite places. I promise more variety in future postings.

La Nueva Rampa - 14th Street Between 7th and 6th Avenues

THE BASICS:
My favorite Cuban-Chinese restaurant in the city. For those who don't there were three waves of Chinese immigration to Cuba resulting in the mixture of both of these cultures and fantastic food! This is a no frills atmosphere with fast and friendly service. The portions are fairly big and the price is unbeatable for the quality of the food. If that's still not cheap enough for you, head over on a weekday before 4 pm so that you can take advantage of the special lunch prices. I wouldn't recommend this as a first date place (no romance what so ever) but it's definitely good if you want to impress someone with your knowledge of food finds in the city. Bonus: Check out your Chinese Zodiac sign on the disposable placemats and see who you're compatible to.


THE FOOD:
I must admit that I usually order one of two things when I go here, but of the dozens of friends and family members I've taken here, no one has ever had any complaints. The ropa vieja (shredded beef stewed with tomatoes, peppers, and garlic goodness) served with your choice of yellow or white rice with red or black beans is deliciously flavorful. My absolute favorite are the Chicharrones de pollo sin hueso (boneless fried chicken) served with your choice of platanos maduros or tostones (fried sweet or green plantains) and salad or rice and beans (again, you pick the color of the rice and beans). If you're a coffee drinker, you're meal is not complete without a Cuban cafe con leche or an espresso.

Sammy's Noodle Shop and Grill - 6th Avenue between 10th and 11th Streets

THE BASICS:
This Chinese food that's great for groups and easy on the pockets. The service while not always the most polite is definitely fast. This place is full of energy during evenings and weekends and a is great spot for fueling up before a night of bar hopping in the city.

THE FOOD:
This is one of the only places I will order pork fried rice because it's not greasy and can easily be a meal on it's own. The scallion pancakes are crispy not doughy and dry like other places. The dumplings are so good they disappear quickly with large groups so order enough (1 serving is good for two to three people). It's been a while since I ordered one, but from what I remember, the egg rolls are huge so plan accordingly. Some of the other dishes I like to order are the roasted duck, the curry chicken served with potatoes, peas, and onions, and of course the general tso's chicken. Again, this is one of those places where I've never heard complaints from friends or family.


Cara Mia - 9th Avenue between 45th and 46th Streets

THE BASICS:
This is a great Italian restaurant near the theater district. I would highly recommend making a reservation during prime dining times. The size and romantic ambiance make this a great date restaurant or a wonderful setting for a small group (3-4 people) dinner. The cost is moderate but the food is worth it.

THE FOOD:
I love an Italian restaurant that serves fresh bruschetta alongside the bread basket. If your looking to snack on something more than bread as you wait for your food, order any of the great appetizers. While the menu consists of a variety of delectable pasta dishes, I am usually tempted by the specials and have yet to choose poorly. It seems like you just can't go wrong with any dish you pick here. I am usually to full to order dessert, but if the desserts are anything like the main courses, I am certain you will be in for a treat.


The Bright Food Shop - 8th Avenue and the Northeast corner of 21st Street

THE BASICS:
A fun fusion of Asian and Latino flavors. I would highly recommend it as a brunch option for those looking to venture away from the standard omelets. I have never had to wait for a table, which is difficult to come by on weekends in the city. Bright has a laid back atmosphere and friendly staff that never makes you feel like it is time to go.

THE FOOD:
If you're looking for something more refreshing than coffee I would suggest the Chicha Morada, a version of a Peruvian beverage made from the purple corn native to that country; fizzy sweet citrusy yumminess. If you are with a group you should definitely order a bread basket to enjoy before your food comes. The baskets have fresh baked muffins, scones, chile corn bread, and tortillas. For a little extra money you can get some cream cheese and guava paste to enjoy the with the baked goods. If you're counting your pennies, the basket still comes with some ancho chile butter to spice things up. Now for the main dishes. The cornmeal pancakes are hands down the best pancakes I have ever had. They are served with fruit, usually bananas, and just melt in your mouth. My favorite brunch dish are the Mexican French toast consisting of fresh made tortillas with bananas, piloncillo (Mexican brown sugar), and orange crema. One word, DIVINE! If you have to have eggs for brunch eggs are served with great potatoes, cornbread, and your choice of turkey chorizo or bacon.

Havana Chelsea Restaurant - 8th Avenue between 19th and 20th Streets

THE BASICS:
A little whole in the wall staple restaurant in Chelsea. Not the place you take someone to make a good first impression, but a definite place to satisfy late night cravings for good Caribbean-Latino basics. You can stay in to eat or get your food to go. The restaurant consists of a room with about 6 tables and a counter that seats about five people.

THE FOOD:
I have to admit that I go here for one reason and that is to get an authentic Cuban Sandwich. In these days of the Cubano Pannini (read: ham and cheese sandwich with Italian bread) it's nice to know the real thing is still out there. Pick from a small, large, or super sized sandwich (it's really not THAT big). Enjoy the tasty pernil (roast pork shoulder), ham, Swiss cheese, and thinly sliced pickles right off the sandwich press. I have a friend from California who I took here for a late night snack, he now has dreams about that sandwich, it's that GOOD!!

Grand Sichuan International (Chelsea) - 9th Avenue at 24th Street (NW Corner)

THE BASICS:
Not your typical Chinese food, Grand Sichuan's menu separates "American Chinese" fair from more traditional dishes. The place is jumpin' for dinner almost every night, so it wouldn't hurt to make a reservation. The atmosphere is a bit on the loud side, so it is not ideal for intimate conversations, but fantastic for groups (again, plan ahead and make a reservation). While the servers are usually running from place to place, if you can stop one, they are generally willing to give recommendations on dishes.

THE FOOD:
You have to eat some dumplings! My picks are either the steamed pork dumplings or the soup pork dumplings. If you are interested in more than one appetizer, the scallion pancakes meet my requirements of crispy and not so greasy. All of the entrees I have tried have been delicious so I say just be a little adventurous. If you are just looking to be safe pick anything off the "American Chinese" menu. I am a big fan of the moo shu dishes, which like everything else, are excellent for sharing.

Vinyl - 9th Avenue between 50th and 51st Streets

THE BASICS:
I haven't been to the new location yet so more to come on the whether or not they were able to maintain the laid back and fun atmosphere. The name comes from the vinyl records which are central to the decor. My sources tell me the menu has remained the same so I'm hopeful the only change is to the size of the dining room.


THE FOOD:
While the menu has somewhat of an Asian flare, it is pretty eclectic with some diner staples. The drinks are pretty good so I would definitely recommend a cocktail as you await your food. The menu is not very extensive but it's all good so it's safe to grab your menu, close your eyes, point, and order. Dessert here is a must. My favorite is the bread pudding.