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Dim Sum Brunch at Asia de Cuba, St Martins Lane Hotel – London

Posted on May 1, 2013 by cheriecity

Weekend brunches seem to have replaced Sunday roasts as my new favourite London dining habit. Really, what could be better than a lazy Sunday afternoon filled with delicious dim sum, exotic cocktails and a live Cuban band?

Sunday Dim Sum Brunch at Asia de Cuba, St Martins Lane Hotel, is fun and sociable with baskets of steamed or fried treats to share. I adore the design of Asia de Cuba – it’s bright and airy and has the atmosphere of an art gallery, with black and white photographs adorning the walls and plush booth seating.

We started with cocktails and ordered a Dragon’s Twist – Aba Pisco shaken with fresh lychees, dragon fruit & elderflower liqueur, finished with a dash of ginger beer (£12.50). This juicy cocktail was very easy to drink and had lots of tiny crunchy black seeds from the the dragon fruit – for an alcoholic drink, it tasted rather healthy.

We liked it so much that we went for the same again, but another signature brunch cocktail is the Spiced Mango – Chinese pear infused Sake shaken with fresh mango, home-made chilli, basil sugar & a hint of lime (£12.50).

I’m not a huge fan of ceviche, but if you want to start with something light, the Ceviche Tasting (four for £28) looked colourful, fresh well-presented. Instead, we saved room for basket after basket of scrumptious dim sum served in threes.

My favourites were the Chicken, Spring Onion & Ginger Wontons (£5.50), Pot Roast Pork Belly Buns (£5), Lobster Chive & Coriander Shu Mai (£6.50) and Tiger Prawn Potstickers (£6). The moreish little parcels were packed full of succulent meat and seafood and weren’t at all greasy or heavy like dim sum can sometimes be. They were served with a trio of mouthwatering dipping sauces that complemented the flavours.

Another highlight were the plump and crispy Crab Croquetas with jicama, mango and mirin infused slaw and roasted red pepper rémoulade (a slightly pricey £19).

We also enjoyed the Miso Black Cod & Snow Pea Spring Rolls (£6.50) and Shanghai Vegetable Spring Rolls (£5) – they were light and crunchy with a nice grainy coating. I wasn’t so keen on the texture of the Steamed Oxtail & Kimchee Dumplings (£6.50) and found the Bok Choi, Bamboo Shoot & Chilli Potstickers (£5) overwhelmingly aromatic, but I loved all of the other dishes that I tried.

It’s essential to leave some room for dessert – you wouldn’t want to miss the heavenly Mexican Doughnuts – sweet brioche donuts rolled in cinnamon sugar filled with butterscotch sauce (£6.50).

The light and fluffy bite-size doughnuts were filled with oozing, warm butterscotch sauce – a light and satisfying treat to end the meal. Having an allergy to coffee, I could only stare longingly at the Cuba Coffee Brownie with fudge sauce, Kahlua glaze and fudge brownie ice cream (£6.50) – it looked wickedly good.

Dim Sum Brunch at Asia de Cuba is perfect if you like to graze leisurely on small dishes and indulge in some expertly-mixed cocktails. The dim sum are so tempting that you could easily keeping ordering more and more to try them all and revisit favourites. The sunny sounds of live Cuban jazz trio Son Yambu bring a touch of Havana to London, delaying that Sunday ‘end of the weekend’ feeling a little longer.

Dim Sum Brunch take places at Asia de Cuba every Sunday from 12pm-5pm. For more information and booking, visit: www.stmartinslane.com

Chérie City was a guest of Asia de Cuba

Photos by Chérie City and Asia de Cuba

Posted in Brunch, Hotels, Hotels - Design, Hotels - Luxury, London, Restaurants | Tagged Asia de Cuba London, Ceviche tasting, chicken ginger wontons, Covent Garden brunch, crab croquetas, Cuba Coffee Brownie, dim sum basket, Dim Sum Brunch, Dragon's Twist cocktail, Dragonfruit cocktail, live Cuban trio, lobster shu mai, Mexican Doughnuts, miso black cod, roast pork belly buns, Shanghai spring rolls, Son Yambu, Spiced Mango cocktail, St Martins Lane hotel, tiger prawn potstickers | Leave a comment

Breakfast At Pulino’s – Lower East Side, New York

Posted on April 30, 2013 by cheriecity

Pulino’s is the more low-key, downtown sister of Keith McNally’s Pastis and Balthazar – it’s certainly more affordable too. Located on the Bowery and just a short stroll from our hotel, Thompson LES, we decided to have a leisurely breakfast there to set us up for the day.

The interiors resemble many of the other restaurants in the group with high ceilings, checkered floors, booth tables and brasserie-style wooden furniture. The walls are lined with hundreds of spirit bottles and there are baskets of Balthazar bread to tempt you as you walk in, as well as a rack of magazines and newspapers to catch up on some reading.

The restaurant was quiet when we arrived, with just a few other tables finishing their morning meetings. We both went for the very reasonably priced Breakfast Special ($10) – two eggs any style, potatoes, choice of white or wheat toast, a freshly-squeezed orange juice and a cappuccino.

It took a long, long time for the breakfasts to arrive, but when we eventually got to eat, they were delicious. The scrambled eggs were creamy and plentiful while the flavoursome potatoes were sauteed in sweet onion, chilli, spinach and garlic. The only thing I didn’t like was the thick white toast that tasted like the long-life bread that you might find in a supermarket. It was disappointing for a restaurant that uses Balthazar bread, which I hesitate to say that it was.

The English Breakfast Tea (Twinings) was served piping hot in a tea pot, however we weren’t given any milk or even lemon and Steven was also brought tea, despite ordering a cup of Stumptown Coffee Co. Balthazar Blend. The orange juice was very good and high quality, although it didn’t appear to be freshly-squeezed in the restaurant.

On the whole I liked Pulino’s and enjoyed our breakfast, but there were a few annoyances. The waiting time to receive our food was far too long, considering there were only two other tables present and preparing scrambled eggs is far from time-consuming.

Our first waitress was fine, but another member of staff managed to serve us without saying one word throughout. I’m a regular at Balthazar Bakery in London for a pastry fix and always find the staff charming, chatty and helpful – I didn’t experience this at Pulino’s. It was also noted that this was the only restaurant we visited in New York where our tip was counted out in front of us before we left the table.

I would go back to Pulino’s to try the pizza at dinner when the restaurant is busier, with more atmosphere and a better standard of service (hopefully). I want to like Pulino’s, so I’ll give it another shot.

All photos by Chérie City

Posted in New York, Restaurants | Tagged Balthazar Bakery London, Bowery restaurant NYC, breakfast special, Keith McNally restaurant, Lower East Side pizza, New York restaurant, Pulino's New York, scrambled eggs | Leave a comment

Futuristic Luxury At YOTEL New York – Midtown

Posted on April 28, 2013 by cheriecity

YOTEL New York is one of the city’s most forward-thinking design hotels, combining cutting edge technology with home comforts.

Following the success of YO SUSHI’s airport pod hotels, the group launched YOTEL New York, its first city hotel. Inspiration for this innovative, minimalist hotel came from the luxury of first class airline travel and micro-living Japanese capsule hotel rooms.

The hotel is located in a quiet, regenerated part of Hell’s Kitchen, just a few blocks from Times Square and close to arty Chelsea. It’s impossible to miss the shiny, glowing white and purple exterior and vertiginous glass tower.

The ‘airport chic’ entrance is lined with automated check-in computers for a hassle-free check-in. It is there that you will meet YOBOT, the world’s first luggage robot who stores guests bags in different sized compartment draws.

YOTEL New York is a large-scale operation with 669 over 27 floors, from the very affordable Premium Queen Cabins through to the impressive VIP Suites. Our Premium Queen Cabin was slick, stylish and just the right size for a short stay.

Designed simply in white, beige and purple with light wood highlights, the cabin features a techno wall with flat screen TV, a work desk with iPod connectivity and multi power point sockets, open hanging space and a motorised queen bed that transforms into a sofa. The bed was slightly harder than I’d expected once it was flat – perhaps due to its mechanical features – but the linen was crisp and high quality.

Space is used intelligently, with secret storage spots and cup holders around the room, and never once does the room feel too small or claustrophobic. Thoughtful touches such as complimentary wifi, free calls within the US, an iron and ironing board, a good hairdryer and YOTEL-branded pocket tissues made all the difference.

We found the open-plan bathroom quite spacious, boasting floor to ceiling views of the Manhattan skyline. It features a walk-in monsoon shower, large white towels and face cloths, heated towel rail and YOTEL’s own brand of rather nice rejuvenating and relaxing aromatic body wash/shampoo (no conditioner or body lotion, so plan ahead).

For longer stays, try the more spacious First King Cabin (some feature a spacious terrace and outdoor soaking tub) or the indulgent yet competitively priced VIP Suite. This plush pad features 180-degree views of the city, a terrace with outdoor soaking tub, Apple Mac, Bower & Wilkins sound system, a dining table that converts into a billiards table, kitchenette with Lavazza coffee machine and fridge freezer, rotating king bed, luxurious bathroom and a separate room with a queen sofa bed.

At YOTEL New York, there are a number of complimentary treats that give it that extra edge. Each floor has a self-service galley with purified water, ice and a Lavazza espresso capsule machine offering cappucinos, lattes, mochas and hot chocolate for the room or to take out. Tea lovers are also taken care of with hot water and boxes of Celestial English Breakfast Tea and Chai.

The galleys were immaculately clean and well-stocked throughout our stay and we loved being able to grab a hot drink whenever we wished. What could feel more homely and comforting than cosying up in bed with an indulgent hot chocolate?

YOTEL also serves a complimentary light breakfast of delicious home-made muffins in different flavours with tea and coffee on FOUR (the public floor for socialising and eating). We found the muffins more than sufficient to start the day, but for something more indulgent, DohYO offers well-priced cooked breakfasts.

YOTEL New York also offers a gym, Apple Mac computers for guests to use and Mission Control one-to-one concierge on FOUR. The high tech Club Cabins are great for business meetings and the expansive Studiyo features a boardroom and cinema screening space.

After a long day of walking around the city, we came back to our room to relax and then downstairs for dinner at YOTEL’s restaurant DohYO (translated as ‘sumo’). The colourful, buzzing restaurant features a Latin Asian tapas menu by Richard Sandoval. The room is lined with intimate booths, but we chose to sit at the centre Japanese-style tables.

DohYO’s sharing dishes are perfect for a lighter supper, however the food is so delicious that it’s easy to keep ordering. We loved the Crunchy Shrimp ($10) with lemon sake aioli, sesame, scallion and masago, and the deliciously sticky teriyaki marinated Crispy Chicken Wings ($9).

The House Ground Beef Sliders ($9) with lemon sake aioli were succulent and nicely charred and the Shrimp & Chicken Fried Rice ($8) was plentiful with a zesty kimchee flavour. Also worth ordering is the tasty and generously sized Wok Seared Cauliflower ($5) with ginger, garlic, Thai chili and black vinegar.

After dinner, the Japanese-style tables are lowered and it becomes a cocktail bar. The lounge on FOUR is another sociable evening spot and in the warmer months, the expansive outdoor terrace is undoubtedly popular for sundowner drinks.

Every Sunday, DohYO hosts the YO! Brunch with free-flowing cocktails and small plates ($40 per guest) and music from New York DJs including Roxy Cottontail, Uri Dalal and Andrew Andrew (the suited and booted iPod DJs in that episode of Girls).

YOTEL New York is a fun, inspiring place to stay with a sociable atmosphere, slick design and homely comforts that no other budget-luxe hotel in the city could possibly offer at such a competitive price. While cosy in the winter, I would be tempted to stay in the summer to enjoy the outdoor terrace and have a long, lazy weekend brunch in the sun.

For more information and booking, visit: www.yotelnewyork.com

Cherie City was a guest of YOTEL New York on a room only basis.

Photos by Cherie City and YOTEL New York

Posted in Hotels, Hotels - Budget, Hotels - Design, New York, Restaurants | Tagged affordable luxury, Andrew Andrew DJs, Angus beef sliders, budget luxe hotel, DJ brunch, DJ Uri Dalal, DohYO NYC, Hell's Kitchen NYC, home-made muffins, Japanese pod hotel room, Latin Asian tapas, Lavazza coffee machine, MiMA NYC, motorised bed, New York hotel, outdoor soaking tub, Premium Queen Cabin, Richard Sandoval, Roxy Cottontail, YO SUSHI hotel, YO! Brunch NYC, YOBOT, YOTEL city hotel, YOTEL New York, YOTEL VIP Suite | Leave a comment

The Art Of Cocktail Making With Alexander & James

Posted on April 19, 2013 by cheriecity

An expertly-mixed cocktail made with premium spirits is one of my favourite indulgences. I adore a good Negroni, Old Fashioned or a timeless Whisky Sour in a refined London bar, but having all of the right spirits and tools to mix up a fabulous cocktail at home would be a real dream.

Alexander & James, the smart new online store dedicated to premium spirits offers everything you need to create your own home bar.

The selection of high end spirits and liqueurs is well-edited and carefully chosen, ranging from affordable cocktail staples such as Ketel One Citroen vodka and Tanqueray London Dry gin to a rare Grand Marnier Quintessence and the crème de la crème of whiskys, The Johnnie Walker (a real investment spirit at £2321.32). You can even have a bottle engraved to make the perfect gift, or to mark a special occasion.

I am particularly drawn to the Talisker 10 Year Old to make a retro Penicillin, Zapaca 23 for a rum-based Planter’s Punch, Don Julio Resposado for a classic Margarita and Cîroc vodka for an Earl Grey Martini. If you’re not sure which cocktail to make, Alexander & James suggests classic and innovative recipes, alongside expert tips in its online magazine.

The key to an impressive cocktail is mixing and serving it the right way. Alexander & James’ selection of elegant accessories include cocktail shakers, ice buckets, highball glasses, tumblers, nosing glasses, twisted spoons, muddlers and citrus presses.

Not only is the home delivery service the ultimate convenience, but Alexander & James products arrive in a luxurious claret presentation box. Drinks aficionados can also become Alexander & James members to enjoy perks including access to limited bottles, exclusive tastings and invites to UK events.

For a refined Mad Men style cocktail party, a weekend treat or a memorable occasion, let Alexander & James be your online barmen.

For more information and to buy online, visit: www.alexanderandjames.com

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Posted in Drinks, Shopping, Stores, Websites | Tagged Alexander & James spirits, buy spirits online, cocktail accessories, cocktail shaker, cocktails at home, Don Julio Resposado, Earl Grey Martini, Grand Marnier Quintessence, home bartender, Johnnie Walker Black Label, Ketel One Citroen, luxury spirits, Mad Men cocktail party, Negroni, Old Fashioned cocktail, Planter's Punch, premium spirits, Talisker 10 Year Old, Tanqueray London Dry, Whiskey Sour, Zapaca 23 | Leave a comment

The Lowell Hotel – Upper East Side, New York

Posted on April 10, 2013 by cheriecity

The Lowell is a very special independent luxury hotel on the Upper East Side with the intimate feel of a private residence.

A member of Leading Hotels of the World, The Lowell is nestled on a quiet, leafy street, just a short stroll from Central Park, MoMA, The Whitney Museum of American Art and the high end department stores of Fifth and Madison Avenues.

The charming Art Deco/Modern hotel began as a residential apartment hotel in 1927 and has maintained its homely, old world character, while also welcoming guests for short stays in the city. The Lowell is very discreet about its high profile guests, however, Madonna famously made a two-bedroom suite there her home for nine months in the late-eighties.

The Lowell is a small hotel with 47 suites and 25 deluxe rooms set across 17 storeys. The lobby is petite and quietly opulent, with soft lighting and a colour palette of soft gold, ochre and cream shades. A thoughtful touch for guests is complimentary hot apple cider and hot chocolate with cookies, to enjoy while reading a newspaper or to take out.

We arrived in the early evening and were swiftly checked in by the warm, professional yet chatty staff. Guests are offered a welcome drink on arrival and two glasses of Champagne were delivered shortly after our luggage.

We stayed in a spectacular Lowell Deluxe One-Bedroom Suite, which is the epitome of Upper East Side refinement. The separate living room, redesigned by Michael Smith in light beige and natural stone tones, was filled with exquisite dark wood furniture, Chinese porcelain lamps, a large sofa, comfy armchairs, an intricate tapestry rug, flat screen TV and contemporary artwork. The suite also has free wifi and we loved the delicate white roses on the table.

A unique feature is the elegant original fireplace with baskets of wood logs – in fact, The Lowell is the only hotel in Manhattan to offer this.

Staff are on hand to light the fire, offering a choice of aromas, so guests can enjoy a warm glow while relaxing in the lounge. Our stay was sadly a little brief to experience a roaring open fire in our living room, however Concierge called us in the morning to check if we wanted our fire lit – really, nothing is too much trouble for the dedicated staff.

We were also delighted to stay in one of the two Lowell suites that features a private terrace, boasting impressive views of the Manhattan skyline. Waking up to New York with a morning cup of tea on the terrace was a real treat – in the warmer months it will be a very enviable spot.

An advantage of staying at The Lowell is the separate granite-topped kitchen fully set up with kitchen utensils, pots and pans, a china dinner service and The Lowell mugs. If cooking isn’t on the agenda, there is a mini bar fridge full of premium beverages, tempting Dean & Deluca snacks and a whistling kettle with a selection of teas and coffee.

The spacious bedroom was classic and stylish with two built-in wardrobes, a large flatscreen TV and the most sumptuous, heavenly king-size bed. At turndown, the bed was meticulously prepared for sleeping, complete with bedside mats and slippers and bottles of Voss water.

Guests can also leave their shoes outside for a complimentary shoe shine, to be returned in the early hours. In the morning, The New York Times was delivered in a Lowell canvas newspaper bag.

The beautiful bathroom, covered entirely in Selene marble, featured a double sink, a walk-in stall shower, a deep soaking bath tub with a flatscreen TV on the wall, BVLGARI thé vert bathroom amenities and little extras such as a bath mitt and a wooden nail brush.

Relaxing bath in the enormous tub with BVLGARI thé vert bath salts, followed by slipping into the oversized bathrobe and slippers was the perfect way to unwind after a long day of travelling.

The Lowell’s second-floor restaurant The Pembroke Room is a New York institution, known for its refined afternoon tea. Overseen by Executive Chef Michael Fred, the civilised, dainty restaurant also serves breakfast and weekend brunch and pre-theatre dinner.

The Lowell’s steak and chop restaurant The Post House is perfect for good ole American classics. The much loved power lunch hotspot serves tempting dishes such as Maryland Crab Cake, Jumbo Gulf Shrimp and Cajun Rib Steak for lunch and dinner.

The Lowell is perfect for guests who prefer an elegant city retreat over a buzzing lobby scene. It’s an exquisite hotel where you can lounge elegantly and live the Upper East Side dream.

The Leading Hotels of the world (00800 2888 8882) offers stays at The Lowell, New York from $700 per room per night based on two sharing a room on a room only basis. For more information and booking, visit: www.LHW.com/lowellnyc

Chérie City was a guest of The Lowell

Photos by Chérie City and The Lowell

Posted in Hotels, Hotels - Luxury, New York | Tagged apartment hotel, BVLGARI bathroom amenities, Dean & Deluca minibar, hotel kitchen, hotel Madonna stayed at, hotel terrace, hotel turndown, Leading Hotels of the World, luxury hotel, Michael Smith design, New York hotel, Pembroke Room New York, private terrace, The Lowell Hotel, The Lowell NYC, The Lowell Upper East Side, The Post House NYC | Leave a comment

Summer Shoes: L.K. Bennett At John Lewis

Posted on April 9, 2013 by cheriecity

As the summer draws nearer, I’m getting ready to swap my boots and dark heels for something a little lighter. L.K. Bennett at John Lewis has some stunning sandals and elegant heels that are perfect for the warmer months, whether it’s for a sunny garden party, wedding or sundowners by the beach.

L.K. Bennett shoes are always stylish, well-made and a good wardrobe investment. I particularly like metallic leather heels, vibrant courts and elegant flats for the summer season.

Here are a few of my favourites…

Which L.K. Bennett shoes are your favourite? Do you change your shoe wardrobe for the summer?

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Posted in Designers, Fashion, Shopping | Tagged ballerina flats, court shoes, designer shoes, high end shoes, John Lewis shoes, L.K. Bennett John Lewis, L.K. Bennett shoes, leather shoes, metallic heels, summer shoes | Leave a comment

The Meatball Shop – Lower East Side, New York

Posted on April 6, 2013 by cheriecity

The Meatball Shop is a perfect spot for a bit of tasty, low-key comfort food in a rustic New York-Italian diner.

Established by Daniel Holzman and Michael Chernow, it’s quite the New York success story, starting from just one small restaurant on the Lower East Side and quickly expanding to Brooklyn, West Village and Chelsea.

The concept is simple yet clever, focusing purely on five meatballs that you can customise with different sauce, breads and sides. It’s made even easier by just marking down your order with a felt tip pen on a laminated menu.

For the first lunch of our trip, The Meatball Shop was the winning choice – not only were we in the mood for meatballs, but it was conveniently just around the corner from our hotel, Thompson LES.

There can often be a long waiting time for a table at The Meatball Shop (they don’t take reservations and it’s a very popular place), but for a Wednesday late lunch, we were through the door and seated right away. Our fun, charming waiter explained the menu well and made personal recommendations for pairing the balls with sauces.

It would be easy to order lots of sharing dishes, but with dinner plans later that day, we tried to go easy and both ordered a Meatball Smash ($9) with different balls and sauces and split them. The two smashed classic beef meatballs were plump, well-seasoned and hearty, with fresh herbs and breadcrumbs. They went perfectly with the sweet, rich roasted classic tomato sauce and creamy mozzarella.

The large brioche bun was fluffy and glazed yet not too sweet and we enjoyed the simple green salad with a light olive oil vinaigrette dressing, fresh herbs and slices of tart green apple.

The spicy pork balls had a very meaty taste with a touch of fennel and were complemented by the deliciously thick and garlicky Parmesan cream sauce – almost like a bechamel. Both types of meatballs were high quality and very natural-tasting, but didn’t have the same juiciness as others I’ve tried.

We couldn’t resist ordering the only dessert on the menu – an Ice Cream Sandwich ($5 each). My giant scoop of house-made chocolate ice cream was rich and dark while Steven’s vanilla ice cream had a strong natural vanilla flavour and was as decadent as you’d expect.

The freshly-baked Snickerdoodle cookie was soft and laced with cinnamon while the Ginger Snap cookie was chewy and sweet with a potent ginger kick. No matter how filling the meatballs may be, you don’t want to miss out on these simple yet scrumptious treats!

If you want to take a bit of The Meatball Shop home, they have collaborated with brands such as SHUT, Vans and Carhartt on merchandise including a skateboard deck, hi tops and a beanie.

While New York is full of delis serving up meatball parm sandwiches, The Meatball Shop is fun, sociable and better suited to a leisurely lunch or dinner – plus you can drink wine. Prices are reasonable, staff are great and while becoming a small chain, it has personality. I’d definitely go back, but this time for dinner and add some sliders and sides.

For more info and menus, visit: www.themeatballshop.com

Posted in New York, Restaurants | Tagged Daniel Holzman, ginger snap cookie, home-made ice cream, ice cream sandwich, meatball parm, Meatball Shop Lower East Side, meatball slider, meatball smash, Michael Chernow, New York meatballs, snickerdoodle cookie, Stanton Street NYC, The Meatball Shop | Leave a comment

Lunch At Cafeteria – Chelsea, New York

Posted on April 2, 2013 by cheriecity

Cafeteria is a Chelsea institution, much loved for its tempting comfort food and upbeat atmosphere. For the past 15 years, Cafeteria has been open 24-hours a day, making it a favourite among New Yorkers for a lazy weekend brunch, people spotting over lunch on the terrace or after work cocktails.

Looks familiar? Cafeteria is the stylish backdrop for a number scenes in Sex and the City. As if that wasn’t enough to lure you in, Cafeteria has possibly the coolest branding, with a campaign and menu featuring portraits of Amanda Lepore, Shontelle, Ladyfag, Carson Kressley, Little Miss Sunshine actress Georgi James and other well-known New York creatives.

We visited on a busy Friday afternoon without a reservation and managed to get a table within 20 minutes. Cafeteria is a slick operation with a speedy, good-looking, mostly male team commanding the room. Unsurprisingly for the Chelsea location, the crowd was mostly made up of music industry types, gallerists, PR gals and a scattering of tourists.

After half a week of over-indulgence in the city, we both tried to go lighter with the Soup & a Sammie ($9) – Cup of Soup, 1/2 Cheddar Grilled Cheese Sandwich with Smoked Bacon, Thick Cut Tomato, Homemade Potato Chips.

The piping hot tomato soup, served in a mug, was rich, thick and topped with a large crouton, fresh basil pesto and a dollop of cream. The ‘half’ grilled sandwich was enormous and packed full of oozing melted Cheddar and at least three rashers of high quality crispy smoked bacon. As if that wasn’t filling enough for lunch, the soup came with a little silver pot of crunchy, well-seasoned potato chips.

We couldn’t resist also sharing a side of Truffle Parmesan Fries ($6). The excellent home-made skin-on fries were topped with lots of shaved Parmesan, fresh herbs and a drizzle of truffle oil. They were a decadent alternative to regular fries and the truffle oil made all the difference.

During lunch, we saw massive portions of fried chicken and waffles, sliders, stacks of pancakes and gourmet salads being served. One of the most popular dishes was the indulgent Mac Attack ($12) – a tasting trio of macaroni and cheese dishes, which we are determined to try on our next visit to New York.

The music is super loud, so it’s not exactly the place to come to relax, but it does add to the buzz of the place. For something a little more intimate and luxurious, you can book (PDR), the special private dining space for 24 guests, designed in collaboration with Nema Workshop.

Prices at Cafeteria are very reasonable, especially considering the generous portion sizes, quality of food and the location – you can eat really well for under $15 each. It’s perfect for a fun, uplifting lunch and in the summer, the terrace is sure to be the place to see and be seen in Chelsea.

For more info and menus, visit: www.cafeteriagroup.com

Photos by Chérie City (dining room by Cafeteria)

Posted in New York, Restaurants | Tagged 24 hour restaurant Chelsea, Amanda Lepore, Cafeteria Chelsea NYC, Cafeteria private dining, Carson Kressley, fried chicken and waffles, Georgi James, grilled cheese sandwich, home-made potato chips, Ladyfag, Nema Workshop, Sex and the City Cafeteria, Sex and the City Chelsea, Sex and the City restaurant, Shontelle, Soup & a Sammie, stack of pancakes, tomato basil soup, truffle parmesan fries | Leave a comment

Craft Beer At Tørst – Greenpoint, Brooklyn

Posted on April 1, 2013 by cheriecity

Tørst is one of the most talked-about bars in Brooklyn at the moment and it’s easy to see why – there’s nothing quite like it in New York. It serves only artisan, often obscure and hard-to-find beers from around the world.

The low-key bar on Greenpoint’s Manhattan Avenue is the creation of ‘nomad brewer’ Jeppe Jarnit-Bjergsø (the guy behind Evil Twin Brewing) and former Noma and Momofuku chef Daniel Burns.

Tørst (‘thirst’ in Danish) is the kind of bar that you might go on a mission to (we certainly did) rather than stumble upon, with a barely visible marble-carved sign above the door – blink and you might miss it. Inside, the reclaimed wood-panelled space is minimal – a little like a bunker – and very Scandinavian, with rows of tidy benches, tables and high stools around the bar.

We visited on a grey, rainy Monday afternoon with just a few people propping up the bar. I imagine in the evening, the atmosphere will be great, particularly with the cosy, sociable set up and the buzz surrounding the bar. The Strokes frontman Julian Casablancas has already been spotted drinking there.

The marble bar is a thing of beauty – the taps feature no branding or logos due to the beers constantly changing. Instead, the 21 taps are colour coded and categorised, from the lightest to the darkest. A cool feature is the ‘flux capacitor’, which allows the bar staff to adjust the nitrogen and carbon dioxide levels, so that the beer is poured perfectly every time.

Tørst may be targeted to the serious beer drinker, but the friendly, clued-up bar staff are happy to recommend a beer or explain the menu to the uninitiated. I went with the bartender’s current favourite, Perennial Saison de Lis – a light and crisp beer that is brewed with camomile for a herbal flavour. The beer was refreshing, easy to drink and zesty.

Steven’s Evil Twin Low Life Pilsner ($4) was slightly stronger and more complex. The beer had a cloudy, honey shade and a distinctive, slightly sour aftertaste. Both beers were served in clear wine glasses with a turquoise geometric pattern. This may seem unusual, but apparently oversized wine glasses are well suited to strong or high gravity beers.

Food at Tørst is currently limited to charcuterie and cheese plates with olives and pickles. However, when the kitchen is fully complete in May, Tørst will also include a tasting menu restaurant called Luksus (translated as ‘luxury’) , seating just 26 guests. Chef Daniel Burns will offer a five-course menu featuring Scandinavian dishes made with local produce and there are plans for events with guest chefs from Denmark.

Tørst is an innovative, exciting neighbourhood bar that lives up to the hype and is certainly one to watch, particularly when the restaurant is up and running. I can see it making all of the ‘best bar’ lists, so visit now before the crowds start flocking.

All photos by Cherie City