Rockin' it Russian Style

While waiting for a film at the Angelica, we crept into the depths of the famous Russian vodka bar in Nolita. It was a perfect escape from the blistering cold of a typical dead of winter night in New York. We all wanted something warm to drink. Anna had a mulled red wine, I tried some random tasty cocktail (which seemed like a good idea at the time) and Yuji took their seasonal hot toddy. This hot toddy kicked all our other drinks asses, as we passed it around, all taking a nice big sip of it... It had a lovely hint of vanilla mixed with the strong alcohol. This drink wins hands down for best winter drink in New York!

Pravda
281 Lafayette Street (near Prince)
New York, NY
(212) 226-4944
pravdany.com

Tickle me with Tacos

Our weekend isn't complete without a taco at La Esquina. This time we split 3 tacos between the two of us, which was actually excessive. We found a great trick to make 2 tacos into 4 because they double up each one with 2 corn tortillas and then we divide the contents... more food for less money! My favourite is the Cochinita Pibil (pulled pork) it's nice and spicy! Their chicken tortilla soup is also great. We chatted with a cute boy who claims the burger is amazing, so we'll be back soon to test it out!

La Esquina
106 Kenmare St (+ Lafayette)
New York, NY
www.esquinanyc.com

What Tu Do'?

Since the weather has been so cold in New York, our favourite spot instead of weekend brunch is at Tu Do' (formerly Pho Tu Do'). They moved locations last month, still on Bowery, but on the other side of the street. We have been almost every Saturday since the weather has turned. We love the Beef Tai, tasty soup with thinly sliced beef at an awesome price!

Pho Tu Do'
119 Bowery Street
New York, NY
(212) 966-2666

Indian Action!

Kati Roll is probably one of my favourite snacks in New York! These chewy textured rolls are perfect anytime, whether you are shopping in Soho or running between the west and east village, anytime is a good time for a kati roll! They have a few other locations but this is the only one downtown. I usually order the paneer one, but the chicken and egg unda is great too... I love paneer so I usually get the same thing every time! My roommate grew up in India and she also loves this place and says the paneer is on point!

Kati Roll Company
99 Macdougal St (near Bleeker)
New York, NY
(212) 420-6497

Oh, So Juicy!

There's nothing like juicy dumplings on a cold winter day in New York! The line, which usually extends way out the door, is well worth the wait! These amazing little delights come in two varieties, pork (original) or pork + crab (remix). At first I was into the crab ones, it's definitely a stronger flavour, but now I'm back and sticking to the original. And there's a technique to eating a juicy dumpling, you have to be very careful, since the dumpling is filled with boiling hot soup inside. The local chinese tend to open a hole on the side, but we use the japanese technique, by biting the top off, demonstrated here by Yuji and Anna. Since I actually first ate juicy dumplings (shorronpo) in Japan, I stuck with this technique. I would recommend getting one order per 2-3 people, and order another dish per person from the rest of their menu. The rest of the food is also amazing and SO cheap! NB. That they recently added tip onto their bills, (sneaky) so don't tip double by accident!

Joe's Shanghai
9 Pell Street
New York, New York
212-233-8888
joeshanghairestaurants.com

Best Breakfast Burrito!

Downtown Mexican Bakery
69 1st Ave, New York
(btwn 4th & 5th St)

Say Cheese!

East Village Cheese is one stinky shop! But with its awesome deals on some great cheeses, it is hard for a cheese-head like me not to go in there once in a while. Even though it's located in the heart of the east village, it's easy to miss. It has no sign, just a store front window and door covered in hand painted signs of all their featured deals! It's pretty low-fi and awesome!


East Village Cheese
40 3rd Ave
New York, NY 10003
(212) 477-2601

Ippudo is Ichiban-kan!

Ippudo opened its doors about a year ago now. It's hands down the best ramen in New York. For the first few months I was going about twice a week, now I've honed down my habit to once a week on average. I usually go for the classic, Akamaru, but today I was feeling like a little spice so ordered the Spicy Tonkotsu (pictured). Lunch is cheaper and you have the option to get the set, which includes a side dish and salad. They feature a seasonal ramen which changes weekly (also pictured). Their cucumber salad is one appetizer that you shouldn't miss, it's sliced both diagonally and horizontally which makes for an insane texture to say the least. If you like your noodles extra firm be sure to ask for it "bari-kata".

Ippudo NY
65 4th Ave (between 2nd Ave & 8th St)
New York, NY 10003
(212) 388-0088
ippudo.com/ny

Kickin' it Kids Style

I went to IKEA Brooklyn today. By the time the water taxi came and I started my shopping, I realized I had missed lunch! So of course I tried to hold out but couldn't and kept thinking about those Swedish Meat Balls... so I hit up the cafeteria located on the second floor. When I got there that big ol' plate of meatballs looked a bit intimidating! Then I realized they had a kids menu, so I asked the lady if it was cool to get the kids size meal. It was the perfect size!... Instead I received five meatballs, with a small dollop of lingonberry sauce (however I did have the lady sneak in a scoop of gravy) along with it came a side of steamed veggies. It was perfect, and all for under $3!

Tenth is the New Ninth

Ninth Street Espresso opened up this temporary location back in the fall while they redid their floors in their main café on 9th street and Ave C, but it got so popular that they just kept it open.... which is great for me because it is a whole 4 blocks closer to my house! I made this my regular afternoon spot for a good solid few months. Great staff running it and of course kick ass coffee!

Ninth Street Espresso
341 E. 10th Street
New York, NY 10079
(212) 777-3508
ninthstreetespresso.com