Categories
Dining Featured Indulgence

Downtown’s Guide to Summer Sweets

With the heat of the sun beating down on Lower Manhattan, I find myself looking for somewhere to cool off and indulge myself. Over the last two weeks, the Downtown team has had an amazing opportunity to visit shops all over Manhattan and the surrounding boroughs. Here’s a look at each of our favorite desserts from some of the best spots that we visited; we’ve got something for everyone to enjoy!

Ed’s Ice Cream Sandwich” at Ed’s Lobster Bar

Hear me out when I say that ice cream is extraordinarily tastier on a warm, buttery bun. This sandwich is like no other; it consists of cold vanilla ice cream that is served on what is typically one of Ed’s signature lobster buns (just without the lobster). The dessert is then covered in little bits of shredded chocolate and chocolate sauce and is sure to help you beat the heat. Ed’s has been serving this signature dish since the shop opened, so they definitely have it perfected.

Ed’s Lobster Bar is located at 222 Lafayette St. Be sure to check them out for a unique treat you won’t soon forget!

Egg Shop‘s “Brunchkins”

These fresh little donut balls are the perfect dessert after grabbing brunch at Egg Shop. These warm, delectable pieces of dough are filled with confetti cake and taste unbelievably good. Each individual Brunchkin tastes like a carnival in your mouth! Not to mention they’ll make your wallet feel good since they’re only $6!

Egg Shop is in Chinatown at 151 Elizabeth St. You won’t regret checking out these bite-sized miracles!

Clinton Hall‘s “What the Cruff Waffle”

Photo provided by Clinton Hall

The mastermind behind this beautiful dessert is Darryl Harmon. Harmon is an award-winning celebrity chef and is the executive chef for The Lure Group, which includes NYC’s Clinton Hall, Slate, West End Hall, and RFTP.

Clinton Hall was already known for their WTF Waffles, but this collaboration with Stuffed Ice Cream is surely the most beautiful and Instagrammable dessert-creation of all time. Stacked high with two waffles, four flavors of ice cream and a donut ice cream sandwich, this dessert is a miraculous work of genius. The ice cream flavors include Stuffed Snickerdoodle, Cookie Monster, Red Velvet Cookie Dough, and Ferrero Rocher and are topped with an ice cream cone on top to complete the aesthetic.

Clinton Hall has locations all over NYC. Find out which is closest to you!

“Flex Donuts” at Flex Mussels

Flex Mussels specializes in a variety of amazing seafood entrees and appetizers. What many people don’t know is that they also offer some of New York City’s greatest donuts. Offering a variety of flavors from Smores to Fluffernutter (a combination of marshmallow and peanut butter), Flex Mussels only charges $10 to add four of these gooey, sugary delights to your dinner.

You can find Flex Mussels located at their Downtown or Upper-Eastside location!

Julian’s Sundae at Aunt Jake’s

Covered in everything from fruity pebbles to Oreo crumbles, “Julian’s Sundae,” which was designed by Jake’s 9-year-old nephew, is stand-out dessert on the menu of this amazing Italian restaurant. The waffle is easily pulled-apart and makes for the perfect spoon for scooping the mountain of whipped cream and chocolate ice cream.

Aunt Jake’s has two locations. One on Mulberry Street and one on 8th Street. To make a reservation, be sure to check out their website!

Categories
Dining Events Featured

Where to Get Cheesy on National Grilled Cheese Day

National Grilled Cheese Day is upon us! On April 12th we celebrate all things cheese between bread (not that we don’t worship the world’s best sandwich every day). Here are a few of our favorite places to get cheesy!

Murray’s Cheese

To wrap up their twelve days of specials, Murray’s will be offering their signature Murray’s Melt for just $1.12 between 8:00 AM and 4:30 PM. Head to the Melts counter at their flagship store on Bleecker Street for a good, old-fashioned classic. 254 Bleecker Street

Ed’s Lobster Bar

Courtesy of Hannah Schneider Creative

Looking for something super indulgent? Ed’s Lobster Bar stuffs their melty grilled cheese with fresh lobster for a can’t-miss treat. If you love to dip your sandwich, the lobster bisque makes a great accompaniment. 222 Lafayette Street

Clinton Hall

Photo courtesy of Clinton Hall

If you like your food to be a little extra, Clinton Hall has a showstopper for you. Their famous doughnut grilled cheese pairs melty mozzarella with a freshly glazed doughnut suspended above a bowl of classic tomato soup. Multiple Locations

Mother’s Ruin

Photo courtesy of Mother’s Ruin

This French onion soup grilled cheese at Mother’s Ruin will have you questioning why you don’t eat at bars more often. The inside is stuffed with the beloved combo of gruyere cheese and caramelized onions and the outside has crisped cheddar cheese and chives. There is a side of au jus for the soup component. 18 Spring Street

BLACKBARN Restaurant

This ooey, gooey grilled cheese is made with aged cheddar, tarentaise, manchego, and roasted garlic for a gourmet upgrade and served with a cup of tomato soup. 19 East 26th Street

BLACKBARN Cafe & Bar @ Chelsea Market

For something a bit more toothsome, BLACKBARN’S cafe has a brie and NY apple grilled cheese with watercress and jalapeño jam on toasted brioche. Weave your way through Chealsea Market for this flavorful combo! 448 West 16th Street

Boucherie

Le Croque Champignons is a truly glorified grilled cheese. The sandwich is stuffed with house made wild mushroom ragu and gruyere cheese with lots of extra cheese on top. There’s a mixed green salad on the side but you can totally ignore it in favor of more cheese. Multiple Locations

Melt Shop

If you’re really ready to go all out, head to one of Melt Shop’s nine NYC locations for this month’s special: the Notorious CHZ. This triple-decker behemoth is loaded with muenster, pepper jack, brick cheddar cheese spread, and truffle mayo between three pieces of parmesan-crusted bread. Nothing has ever looked more indulgent! Multiple Locations

Categories
Dining Featured

Where to Dine for a Memorable Valentine’s Day

You’ve got two weeks left to score a reservation for Valentine’s Day, and we here at Downtown think it should definitely be at one of these unique spots. Read on for our 2019 Valentine’s Day dining guide.

The McKittrick Hotel

 

mckittrick hotel vday

The home of Sleep No More is ready to take you on a journey this Valentine’s Day! Start with dinner in The Club Car where you’ll enjoy a three course meal, live jazz music and the option of a private train car. If you’re looking for something a bit cozier, you can drink and dine on the roof at The Lodge at Gallow Green while sitting by the fire or cuddling in a private nook. Of course you don’t want to miss the Valentine’s performance of Sleep No More, which begins at 7 PM.

 

Bell Book & Candle

 

bell book & candle

Bell Book & Candle doesn’t want vegans to feel left out this V-Day so they are offering two 7-course tasting menus, one of which is entirely vegan. Dishes will include black truffle topped cauliflower soup and surf & turf featuring grass fed filet and crab stuffed fluke. For the most intimate evening, ask to dine in the Pink Lady Room which seats two and has a private line to the bartender.

 

The Regency Bar and Grill

 

regency

If you’re getting a hotel room for the special night, consider the Loews Regency on Park Avenue. Their special three-course menu includes lobster cream soup, yuzu marinated steak and a chocolate dome prepared by new Executive Chef Serge Devesa.

 

Boqueria

 

Photo by Molly Tavoletti

What’s more intimate than sharing food? Boqueria is offering three, special menus of tapas for Valentine’s Day featuring dishes like striped bass with chanterelles and cockles and molten chocolate cake. Tapas are also a great option for a Galentine’s Day get together!

 

886

 

Photo by Ben Hon

Head to buzzy Taiwanese spot 886 to sip on a delicious Lycheé Rosé Cocktail while enjoying snacks like the sausage party (a sausage wrapped in a glutinous, sticky-rice bun) and soy-sesame glazed chicken wings.

 

Ed’s Lobster Bar

 

ed's lobster oysters
Courtesy of Ed’s Lobster Bar

Looking for an aphrodisiac? Ed’s Lobster Bar aims to please with $2 oysters all night long as well as cocktail specials, champagne deals, and whole lobsters.

 

Eataly Downtown

 

eataly vday

If you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day the day after, check out Eataly Downtown’s Winter Wine & Food Festa. Enjoy drinks and bites all over the store, including oysters, chocolate, cocktails, and heart-y dishes.

 

 

Categories
Dining Events Featured Sports

We’ve Got Your Super Bowl Menu Planned

Whether you’re staying in for the big game or heading out to watch on someone else’s big screen, we’ve got all your Super Bowl snacking covered. Read on for the best places to watch the best commercials of the year and where to order your all important halftime meal from.

 

Going Out:

Due West

 

due west interior

Located in the heart of the West Village, Due West has multiple big screen TV’s and is the perfect spot to start your Super Bowl celebrations! Grab your friends and come check out Due West’s $13 Super Bowl Combo featuring Chicken Bites served Buffalo style with Bleu Cheese and celery plus your choice of one of their signature shots including the Undead (gin, absinthe and lemon) and the Delusional (Mezcal, aperol, chartreuse and lime).

Due West
189 W 10th Street
Sunday: 12 PM – 12 AM

Clinton Hall

 

Clinton Hall

The city’s staple beer hall is offering $30 buckets of beer and $25 giant bowls of wings for the Super Bowl at all Clinton Hall locations. The regular menu, which includes tons of sharable appetizers and decadent burgers, will also be available. Drink up and chow down while watching the game on their 100 inch HD projector screen.

Clinton Hall
90 Washington Street (FiDi)
16 W 36th Street
230 E 51st Street
247 Metropolitan Avenue (Williamsburg)
601 E 189th Street (Bronx)
Sunday: all open midnight or later

Bell Book & Candle

 

bell book & candle

Bell Book & Candle will offer an exclusive Super Bowl Sunday menu while guests watch the game on two 75″ HD projectors complete with surround sound. Menu items include BB&C Smoked Whole Wings with Chipotle BBQ, blue cheese and hot sauce for $3 each, Drunken Bean Dip with goat cheese, tomato, and grilled flatbread for $10 and a BB&C Patty Melt Burger with grilled onions, vintage cheddar and rooftop pickles for $17. Don’t think they forgot to include drinks! Drink up with $25 beer buckets of Bud Light, Heineken, Tecate and Coors Banquet.

Bell Book & Candle
141 W 10th Street
Sunday: 5:30 PM – 2 AM (Kitchen closes at 10:30 PM)

 

Staying In:

Ess-a-Bagel

 

The Ess-a-Bagel near Stuyvesant Town on 1st Avenue and 19th Street will put every other sub you’ve ever eaten to shame with their Super Bagel filled with meats, cheeses, and condiments. Your guests might even get so distracted they loose sight of the game!

Ess-a-Bagel
324 1st Avenue
Sunday: 6 AM – 5 PM

Ed’s Lobster Bar

ed's lobster bar wings

lobster slidersIf you’re a die-hard Patriots fan and want to express that in your food, too, look no further than Ed’s Lobster Bar for all your New England-style food needs. Their catering menu includes mini lobster rolls, garlic parmesan wings, fish tacos, and beef chili. To place an order, call Ed’s Lobster Bar (212) 343-3236 or email Chef Ed McFarland at edward@lobsterbarnyc.com. Orders are available for pickup or delivery (Manhattan only).

 

Ed’s Lobster Bar
222 Lafayette Street
Sunday: 12:00–9:30 PM

Rosa Mexicano

 

rosa mexicano super bowl

This classic Mexican spot is famous for their table-side guacamole…it just usually isn’t your table-side! Take home a Big Game Fiesta Package of freshly made guac, chips and salsa for $55 and all you’ll have to do is sit back and relax. To make your life even easier, add on the Refresher Pack of margarita bases in flavors like blood orange-pomegranate and mango-pineapple-jalapeño. Each flavor costs $29 and makes 16 cocktails, just add tequila!

Rosa Mexicano
41 Murray Street (Tribeca)
9 E 18th Street (Union Square)
1063 1st Avenue (58th Street)
61 Columbus Avenue (62nd Street)
Sunday: all open until 10 PM or later

 

 

Categories
Dining Featured Restaurants

New Year, Same Eats: Where to Dine on New Year’s Day

Start the year off right with Downtown’s New Year’s Day dining guide. We know you won’t want to cook on New Year’s Day, so we’ve selected some of our favorite places for you to roll out of bed (probably a little later than usual) and chow down at on your day off.

Epistrophy

 

epistrophy new years steak
Photo by Molly Tavoletti

 

This all day cafe is one of the cutest spots in Nolita and if it’s not already in your regular rotation add it quick! Epistrophy will be open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner on New Year’s Day, but make sure to stop by for everything from poached eggs with creamy potenta and pancakes to cacio e pepe and hanger steak. Need some booze to get your through the day? You can’t go wrong with their spicy cucumber margarita or any of their spritzes.

 

886

 

886 new years menu
Photo by Molly Tavoletti

 

Nothing screams day off like dining on fried rice, Taiwanese sausage and chicken wings. If St. Mark’s Place is in your neighborhood, you can make a reservation for dinner at 886 on Resy.

 

Aunt Jake’s

 

aunt jakes new years special
Courtesy of Aunt Jake’s

 

If giving up carbs isn’t one of your resolutions (or if you need one last day of indulgence) head to Aunt Jake’s in Little Italy or Greenwich Village. All diners on New Year’s Day will receive a free brunch cocktail with the purchase or any entrée from 11 AM to 4 PM, so get ready to toast to avocado toast.

 

Egg Shop

 

egg shop new years deal
Photo by David Malosh

 

Is there anything better than an egg sandwich? Egg Shop in Nolita has perfected them, and if you head in on New Year’s Day you’ll get half-off Bloody Marys and Mimosas plus a can’t miss deal: a Bloody Mary and Pepper Boy Sandwich (MAPLE CURED PEPPER BACON) for $20.

 

Clinton Hall

 

clinton hall new years burger
Courtesy of Clinton Hall

 

Thinking burgers and beer are the best ways to start the year? Clinton Hall agrees. All of their locations, including the original FiDi outpost, will be offering their award winning double smashed burger and a Gigawatt beer for only $20.19.

 

Ed’s Lobster Bar

 

eds lobster bar new years
Courtesy of Ed’s Lobster Bar

 

Head to Lafayette Street for some cheesy, lobster filled goodness. Get a free Bloody Mary with an order of Ed’s Lobster Bar’s famous lobster mac and cheese or lobster roll all day.

 

Flex Mussels

 

flex mussels new years special
Courtesy of Flex Mussels

 

Not enough lobster for you? Two words: Lobster Poutine. Pair cheesy, lobster topped fries with a Bloody Mary for only $25. Flex Mussels, whose downtown location is on 13th and 7th, is also offering $1 oysters from 5–7 PM, talk about happy hour!

 

Bagatelle

 

bagatelle new years day
Courtesy of Bagatelle

 

Kick off the New Year in the West Village at Downtown favorite Bagatelle! They will be hosting a banging brunch party from 1:00–6:00 PM with family style dishes and music pumping all day long. For reservations email nyerestervations@bistrotbagatelle.com or call 212.488.2110.