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Why Don’t You Eat Me: Wee, Wee, Wee All the Way Home

By |March 21st, 2010|Guest Blogger, Why Don't You Eat Me?|
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This Little Piggy

This week this little piggy didn’t go to the market, but this little piggy did have one heck of a sandwich. About six weeks ago the owners of Artichoke Basille opened This Little Piggy Had Roast Beef and I’ve been dying to try it ever since I caught wind of it. So, this little piggy set out on an epic journey from Murray Hill to my favorite ‘hood in Manhattan, the East Village, in order to finally try one of their roast beef sandwiches.

I walk in and the owner is behind the counter serving the sandwiches to customers himself (love it). I checked out the menu and saw that I had three options: “This Way” (roast beef au jus on an egg roll with Cheez Whiz), “That Way” (roast beef with mozzarella, onions, and gravy on half a hero), and “The Other Thing” which had pastrami versus roast beef. I OBVIOUSLY opted for the “This Way” with a side of fries. How could I not go for the one with Cheez Whiz on it? I mean, really, people.

This Way

I must admit that I am glad that I set out on this  journey for roast beef while I was nursing my St. Patty’s Day hangover because it is most definitely great hangover food. This is a mighty tasty sandwich with or without a hangover. It definitely hit the spot. I have to also admit that I’m very glad that I walked 1.5 miles to get there and 1.5 miles back because this little piggy felt like she needed to hit the gym afterwards.  Although, I may or may not have made a stop at Momofuku Milk Bar for a cookie on my way back… I have no willpower, I know.

Fries

If you’re not in the mood for their awesome hand cut fries then they also have homemade macaroni salad and homemade potato salad which I will definitely make a point to try upon my next visit.

This Little Piggy Had Roast Beef made me miss the East Village even more than usual and is definitely a place I will stop in again when this little piggy is in need of a little roast beef comfort.

All in all I give This Little Piggy Had Roast Beef 4 out of 5 mouths for being melt in your mouth tasty and for making me crave a roast beef sandwich even without a hangover.

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See you next Munchin’ Monday!

xx,

WhyDon’tYouEatMe

Why Don’t You Eat Me: I Left My Heart in Degustation

By |March 14th, 2010|Guest Blogger, Why Don't You Eat Me?|
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Who’s hungry? You better be- cause it’s Munchin’ Monday!

This week we’re off to one of my favorite places in the East Village called Degustation (which means “a careful, appreciative tasting of various foods”). This place is so right up my alley because it saves me from having to convince my dining partner that we should just split everything.

Degustation is a mixture of French and Spanish small plates. You’ve got multiple options here: You can do 5 courses for $50, 10 courses for $75, or just order a la carte. You’ve also got the option to add wine pairings to compliment each course. I’ve done both the 5 and 10 course options and I’d definitely recommend the 10 course option. The 10 course option is all chef’s choice items that aren’t on the menu. Just as a warning, you’ll leave more stuffed than a turkey at Thanksgiving dinner, but it’s so good!!

I don’t typically discuss ambiance and decor, but this is an exception to the rule. They’ve only got 16 seats surrounding an open kitchen, so you get to watch the food being prepared. Who doesn’t like watching men use their hands, huh? And while we’re on the subject- what is it with so many chefs being so frickin’ cute? Sigh… Sorry…Got off topic…

Back on track! The food! If you opt out of my recommendation for the 10 course tasting, then let me suggest a couple items from the “secret menu.” Since we all know how much I love pork, I’m of course, going to recommend the fried eggs, pork belly, winter greens, and parmesan dish.

pork belly

I’d also encourage going with the lamb loin, heirloom cauliflower, pinenut puree, pickled raisins, and mint dish. I don’t usually dig lamb, but the sides that accompany this dish are what make it so amazing.

lambloin

Now for dessert! You MUST get the caramelized torija with citrus fruits. It’s AWESOME and 100% necessary, trust me.

That’s all I’ve got for you this week my friends. Degustation may ruin that beach body that WhyDidYouWearThat got you all prepped for last week, but it’s entirely worth it. Just spend some extra time at the gym or buy a cover-up and call it a day because in my world good food = happiness (and ultimately world peace).

See you next Munchin’ Monday!

xx,

WhyDon’tYouEatMe

P.S. – McNally’s new pizza place Pulino’s opens today and I CAN NOT wait to try it out! The big and mighty are opening food joints for the common folk and I LOVE it. I also love new pizza joints. I just love pizza. Period.

Why Don’t You Eat Me: Life’s a Beach

By |March 8th, 2010|Guest Blogger, Why Don't You Eat Me?|
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We’ve gone and done it again, folks. We love a good theme over here at WhyDid and this week’s theme is in honor of the imminent warm weather that we’re all anxiously awaiting. It’s officially “Beach Week” and to get us started off on the right foot, I’m going to tell you about some of Manhattan’s best places to grab drinks where you’ll feel as if you’re actually at the beach (or at least out of the city).

Warning: Don’t get too excited and venture to these places with pale bare legs a blazin’. WhyDidYouWearThat will give the go ahead when it’s time to trade in your skinnies for minis!

For a tropical escape in liquid form, I recommend the following places:

1. The Rusty Knot: If you’re not able to look out over the ocean, you might as well look out over the Hudson, no? Well, we’ll take what we can get here in Manhattan and the Rusty Knot offers a simple escape with a rustic “nautical” theme and tasty tiki drinks (including Mai Tais and Dark and Stormy’s). Ahoy!

rustyknot

2. South Street Seaport: Who doesn’t like walking along the beach with a frosty drink in hand? I know I do, but there sure aren’t many places you can do so in Manhattan. South Street Seaport is an exception to the rule (we love breaking rules!). Here you can buy a drink and meander through the boardwalk and gaze at the ships without having to worry about those pesky cops stopping you. If you can get past all the tourists (or can simply ignore them) then you’re bound to enjoy yourself.

southstreetseaport

3. Sushi Samba 7: With drinks like the Nina Fresa and Fico Freso doubled with outdoor space giving a cabana-like feel, you’ve got yourself a mini vacay right here in NYC. Just do yourself a favor and don’t go on the weekends because you’ll have to fight the B&T for a spot at the bar.

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4. P.J. Clarke’s on the Hudson: Some are not aware of the sister to the Midtown P.J.’s and they are missing out. Same great food, but much better atmosphere. Located on the Hudson between Tribeca and FiDi, you can watch the boats and the cute banker boys while sipping on a cocktail. (*Bonus- the outdoor seating is totally dog friendly).

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5. Have your own rooftop pool party: If you won’t be making it up to the roof at Soho House when it reopens this spring, have no fear. Throw the most exclusive rooftop party in the city- your own! 1. Buy baby pool 2. Find a friend with a nice rooftop 3. Buy cooler, beer, and mixes for margaritas and strawberry daiquiris (or try some of WhyDid’s favorite summer beverages) and voila! You’ve found yourself miles away from Manhattan all the while still being right in the thick of it.

Strawberry-Daiquiri

Now, excuse me while I go and buy myself a nice tropical drink with umbrella and pray for warmer weather to come.

See you next Munchin’ Monday!

xx,

WhyDon’tYouEatMe

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Why Don’t You Eat Me: Alidoro, I love you. Won’t You Tell Me Your Name?

By |March 1st, 2010|Guest Blogger, Why Don't You Eat Me?|
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In a city full of famous delis, you’d figure it would be pretty easy to find a good sandwich, right? Hardly. Most of those “famous delis” are just tourist traps and you won’t get out of there with a sammy under $15. No, thank you.

That being said, if you haven’t heard of this small Italian sandwich shop, then you’re welcome in advance (I accept gratuity in both Louboutins and Cartier). Tucked away on Sullivan Street in Soho is Alidoro. This is by far the BEST sandwich shop in NYC. I used to go to the gym before stopping in to justify the 1000 calories I was about to ingest. This place is worth every last calorie though. Not to mention the owner is a really cute Italian guy. (Sucker for accents).

I’ve tried quite a few of their sandwiches and all of them are pretty amazing (each named good ol’ Italian names), but one sandwich is BEYOND amazing. It’s so good that I’d gladly trade my cat (sorry, Ellis!) for one.  It’s called the “Pavarotti.” What isn’t appetizing about a fat opera singer? Seriously. The Pavarotti has salami, smoked mozzarella, sun dried tomatoes, artichokes, and sweet roasted peppers and I always opt to get it on white Italian bread (they have options such as white, whole wheat, focaccia). Just like dear old Pavarotti himself, this bad boy is massive! No worries, I can scarf it down in one sitting.

pavarotti

Another favorite sandwich here is the “Matthew” and I would probably order it more often if it weren’t named after my ex.  The Matthew has prosciutto, fresh mozzarella, dressing, and arugula on it. In a word: Delish. Honestly, you really can’t go wrong here. I’d move into the apartment upstairs just to get closer to my favorite sandwich if I could.

Alidoro is another place with basically all pros and no cons. There’s usually a bit of a line, but that’s to be expected in a tiny sandwich shop. They also don’t offer condiments like mayonnaise, mustard, etc. and actually have a list telling you not to even bother asking for them. Love that.

Alidoro definitely gets 5 out of 5 mouths for having excellent ingredients, excellent sandwiches, and being altogether quite excellent! Buon appetite!

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So go ahead folks! Open wide, insert sandwich, and enjoy!

See you next Munchin’ Monday!

xx,

WhyDon’tYouEatMe

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Why Don’t You Eat Me: Will You Be My Cupcake?

By |February 21st, 2010|Guest Blogger, Why Don't You Eat Me?|
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I’ve officially moved on from my pizza obsession from two weeks ago and moved right on into a cupcake obsession.  I do have to be obsessed with something “food” at all times, right? It’s only natural and healthy. Maybe I should be telling a therapist this?

Oh, cupcakes. They’re small, they’re round, they’re cakes that you don’t feel guilty about finishing. They’re high on the list of foods that will aid in world peace. We should start telling kids to stop throwing rocks and start throwing cupcakes! Forget engagement rings and propose with cupcakes! Now I’ve  gone too far…

Below I’ll break down a few of my favorite places for cupcakes in Manhattan:

1. Sweet Revenge: There is no revenge like sweet revenge and that’s just what these baked delights are. These bad boys are determined to make my stomach more like a 6 pack of cupcakes and less like the toned tummy that I work hard for! But you know what? They’re so worth it!  The Very Strawberry cupcake is probably the best cupcake I’ve ever had. The frosting literally tastes like you are eating fresh strawberries. Not only did I go two times last week, but I’m about to head there on my lunch break. Also, be sure to check out their happy hour where you can pair a glass of wine and cupcake for $10! Can’t beat that!

sweet revenge strawberry

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2. Buttercup Bake Shop: Peanut butter and jelly cupcakes? Check. Sour Cream Spice? Of course.  Red Velvet? Obvi! . The only problem with Buttercup is making a decision. I don’t want  just one. I want them all!

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3. Billy’s Bakery: Billy’s is a great “staple” cupcake place.  I know for a fact that WhyDidYouWearThat and WhyInGayHell had  a little Billy’s cupcake party recently and were RAVING about these cupcakes. So, I’m not alone in my thinking here. Don’t believe us? Try them for yourselves!

billy's

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Now for the two places that have brought cupcakes where no one has dared bring cupcakes before…drumroll please…

1. Red Velvet Lounge: Music + Alcohol + Dancing + Cupcakes = the recipe for success in my book. Who doesn’t want to munch on an alcohol infused cupcake (brought to you by Baked by Melissa) while shaking their booty on the banquette to a little Jay-Z? I can’t count the the number of times I have been out at a club dancing and drinking when all of a sudden I think to myself, “Dang, I want cupcake!”  This place has cracked the code thanks to Jason Lawrence and Cole Bernard’s brilliant idea of combining two of our favorite things: cocktails and cupcakes. So, please excuse me while I go and sip on my Ketel soda and munch on my vodka-infused cupcake.

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2. Butch Bakery: Look! It’s a bird. It’s a plane. No! Wait! It’s a beer-infused cupcake! Dare I say it’s yet another way to separate the men from the boys? Now men don’t have to feel guilty going and buying cupcakes. They simply have to go to Butch Bakery and buy a camo cupcake and never think twice about their masculinity. These aren’t just for the boys though! Don’t you dare try and exclude me from anything that has BACON on it. Oh yes, they most certainly do have a cupcake with pieces of bacon sprinkled on top!

butch

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As mentioned above, I can’t leave Baked by Melissa off the list. Melissa, darling, I don’t know you, but please call me. I think we could be the best of friends. We could have a very mutually beneficial relationship in that you feed me your quarter sized creations and I keep eating them. That’s mutually beneficial, right?  With flavors like Mint Chocolate Chip, Cookies and Cream, Cookie Dough, and S’mores  there’s no need to ever go back to ice-cream.

baked by melissa

Aaaand for NYC’s most OVERRATED cupcake place:

CRUMBS Let me tell you this: Just putting fun toppings on top of cake, doesn’t make it a killer cupcake! No, no, no, my friends! There is an art to it and Crumbs has tried to trick you all into believing good toppings make for a good cupcake! False.

I am now coming to the end of my cupcake rant and left feeling highly unsatisfied because I have zero cupcakes in my mouth or hand at this time.  Please, if you love me or even if you just want to shut me up then send over some cupcakes from one of the places that I have mentioned above.

See you next Munchin’ Monday!

xx,

WhyDon’tYouEatMe

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P.S. – Since my pizza blog two week ago, I have tried Motorino on 12th Street. It blows the 5 places that I listed out of the water. This is the first pizza joint to get a Michelin star and with good reason. It simply kicks some serious ass!

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