Taking a bite of the Big Apple is an entertaining and satisfying experience. There are so many places to go in the city that can get your taste buds racing. But if you’re like me, New York City always calls my name and convinces me to visit again and again. This famous place known for making dreams come true is also quite famous for its culinary experiences. And that’s what I love about eating in New York. Whether it’s grabbing a hot dog in Manhattan on the way to a show, finding a little hidden Tai restaurant in Chinatown, or even hitting up a fancy nightclub like Jekyll and Hyde right in town, it’s no secret that the sky is the limit. for fabulous food.
1. New York Gorilla Cheese:
I love a good trend and I also love a good grilled cheese sandwich. There’s a place in our hometown whose menu focuses on this all-time favorite, so I wanted to see the New York version that goes on the road. Gorilla Cheese NYC is one of the most famous food trucks in the city, and for good reason. The sensory overload menu is packed with aromatic cheeses, fresh bread varieties and toppings so you choose exactly what you want on your sammie. I ordered the feature of the day, the Brooklyn Special, a perfect combination of asiago, prosciutto de parma on a carefully crafted upside down panini. I think it was the best grilled cheese I’ve ever had. And then I topped it off with their mac and cheese bites. It was two thumbs up. It’s a good thing this meal was a “roader” and I had a few blocks to get to my next location so I could walk over the top and satisfy the calories.
2. Jekyl & Hyde Club:
OK, Jekyl & Hyde Club is not a place for the faint of heart. Located at 91 7th Avenue, their slogan is that anything can happen at their food club, and it’s true. Get ready to be scared to death or entertained, whatever you want to call it! I was on pins and needles and not sure my mind was only on the menu. Its dark and dimly lit atmosphere reminds me of Halloween and the old 60’s TV series Dark Shadows. The creepy actors/waiters interacted with us while we ate creating a unique “what’s next” vibe. But I was very happy with the delicious, if hair-raising menu. Mom left my mind wondering about the ingredients and who was cooking in the kitchen. The burger is covered in cheese, for crying out loud! We ordered the pizza with the Cannnibals sausage, pepperoni and meatballs. We then washed her down with a familiar bottle of beer. They have a huge, monster-sized drink menu that won’t scare you away!
3. Garrett East’s Dinner Party:
Wow, nothing like searching for your food. This small, but infamous set is hidden, so only those in the know know about this little gem. Fortunately, we did. Our colleague knew someone who knew someone who got reservations for us. He only seats about 20 guests and reservations are a must. He reminded me of Carrie and her friends from Sex and the City who loved to go to the newest and hottest places. Dinnertable’s Mexican food was delicious and ready in a New York minute, which is great news when you’re starving after a long day in the city. The seafood was extraordinary and the fact that we were behind an unmarked locked door made for a great experience.
4.Freeman:
This luscious little out-of-the-way beauty is on the alley of the Bowery and has been offering spectacular food since 2004. Hmm, just the thought of eating in an alleyway might not be your thing, but think again. Freeman’s Restaurant is rustic and inspired by Old World American traditions, so there’s a bit of American history built into every dish. I was drawn to the whole grilled Edenbrook trout, beluga lentils, and even their popular roasted half chicken. My favorite was the Pan Roasted Tile Fish crispy potatoes, black lentils, saffron aioli, spring onion vinaigrette which I shared with my sister. Once you finally get a table you don’t want to leave. The sensory experience is like no other and the service is excellent. Freeman’s takes reservations… take this… a month in advance and for groups larger than 13, you have to reserve your table a year in advance. That’s planning! They say that part of the dining room is walk-in, but if you decide to visit on a whim, you might find yourself waiting and waiting and waiting at the bar and then eating there, too.
5. Bohemian:
Exclusive, modern and private is how I would describe the Bohemian, a Japanese restaurant and bar. This hidden gem is found coincidentally behind a butcher shop in Noho, Manhattan. The trick of the day is that you have to know someone to get in. I can’t even believe we were able to bookmark a table because it’s so exclusive and mysterious. I immediately fell in love with the lower layers, the artistic atmosphere and the Asian vibe. The historic building used to be the home of the infamous artist Andy Warhol and later the popular 1980s graffiti artist Jean-Michel Basquiat. As someone who appreciates the arts, the creativity and history of this building was overwhelming and a bit sobering. Now for the food. Get your chopsticks and your appetite ready because everything on the menu is as extraordinary as the setting. I ordered a bucket of oysters and enough saki for a sailor. Andy Warhol would have approved.
6. Tehuitzingo:
What’s up! Ok, I can never say, but I can certainly recommend it! This unique taste treat is tucked away in the back of a bodega (a small grocery store in a Spanish speaking neighborhood), open until midnight and get this, you only have to dish out $3.00 for one of the tacos more delicious! memorable of your life! This secret is found inside the Tehuitzingo Deli and Grocery in Hell’s Kitchen, making the experience even more memorable. Trust me, you won’t walk away hungry, far from it. Portions are family-sized and deliciously authentic. Please note that there are no tables. That’s right. You get a stool to lean against the counter or to lean on. All you need is your appetite and a sense of Mexican adventure. You can also grab a jar of sauce or other grocery items for a take-home snack attack later.