Cheers to food, glorious food!

Springtime in New York and the eating was good. So, so good. Spending six days in NYC gave us plenty of chances to taste what the city had to offer, and boy, did we leave impressed. And full!

We lunched at some great, sunny places like Tavern on the Green, Sarabeth’s and Rock Centre Cafe, and dined at some dimly lit night spots like Maze, Beauty & Essex, and the Stone Rose Lounge. There was also time to try a burger at the Shake Shack, eat NYC-style pizza at Stage Door, and experience the sights, sounds and smells of Chinatown. Good times.

The culinary highlight for me was the trendy spot, Beauty & Essex. The drinks were good (except the Old Dirty Bramble – blech), the food was savoury, and the atmosphere was top-notch. Plus, walking through a pawn shop to get to the place made it feel like SNL’s Stefon recommended it… although, I didn’t see screaming babies in Mozart wigs or an albino who looks like Susan Powter. But I am pretty sure I saw Fat Sajak hanging with Gay Liotta.

There was only one dud in the bunch. The Stone Rose Lounge. The service was horrible and the food wasn’t much better. The wonderful view and fantastic DJ kind of made up for it.

Room snacks for the first night.

Trendy and tasty tapas awaits through the pawn shop.

Trendy and tasty tapas awaits through the pawn shop.

Enjoyed a night cap at Maze.

Lobster tacos, salt & vinegar fries, grilled cheese, smoked bacon & tomato soup dumplings from Beauty & Essex.

The Beauty & Essex dining room.

The Emerald Gimlet from Beauty & Essex. Made with Grey Goose, basil, lemon nectar and fresh lime.

The Pink Panther from Beauty & Essex. Made with Hendricks gin, St. Germain, pink peppercorn syrup and lemon.

Crab meat guacamole & chips from Sarabeth’s (near Central Park).

Lemon-zested tuna salad from Sarabeth’s.

Champagne toast on an evening boat cruise.

Fresh seafood in Chinatown.

Chinatown produce stands.

Chinatown delectables.

At the Stone Rose Lounge in the Time Warner building. Food and service was crap, but the DJ and view were great.

Pizza from Little Italy.

Beau Monde Bloody Mary from Tavern on the Green.

Greek salad with marinated grilled yellowfin tuna at Tavern on the Green.

Cobb salad with grilled quail at Tavern on the Green in Central Park.

YES!!! Shake Shack.

Afternoon beer at the Pershing Square Cafe. Place is directly across from Grand Central Terminal.

Lunch at Rockefeller Center. (Right where the skating rink is in winter).

Great atmosphere at Benjamin Steakhouse.

Shared a “Steak for Two” with Sue at Benjamin Steakhouse. Should have been labeled “Steak for Five.” One of the best steaks I’ve ever had.

French onion soup from Benjamin Steakhouse.