Introducing…

She may be new to New York, but Miss Scene It is always able to find the real hidden gems.  She found me the perfect spot for my birthday dinner (I’ll let her tell you about that one) and always discovers fun new places to try.  Unlike me, she’s not a neighborhood snob and can be found gallivanting all over the city from the Upper East Side to Tribeca.

She’s like the modern day Christopher Columbus, sometimes stumbling upon  foreign lands on a whim.  However, she does keep some of her secret hide outs secret (good thing I’m her friend!).  Ladies and gentlemen, Miss  Scene It!!!

Even though I’m still rather new to the city, one thing I know for sure is a great place to eat. I may actually be the small 30% of girls who eat in this city. My love for Mexican food runs deep and I could probably eat it everyday for the rest of my life (sometimes I wonder if my mom didn’t have a torrid love affair with a man named Juan Carlo). So if you are looking for great atmosphere, great drinks and food, and relatively cheap eats, this is for you.  I’m a little nervous to share it with you because it is my go to spot and I don’t want to increase the wait for my table. But I’m feeling generous so here goes…

Barrio Chino on the LES is a small dig with no sign on the door; you’ll know it by the Chinese lanterns hanging inside. They don’t take reservations so I suggest catching a spot early because they are always packed. Their margaritas are to die for, but beware those little guys are strong! I’m a fan of the elderflower margarita or if you are feeling a little sassy, go for the jalapeno grapefruit. Don’t say I didn’t warn you though, that sucker is spicy!

On to my favorite part, the food. Always start with the guacamole and fresh chips. I usually order the same thing on the menu and I’m kinda in love- the chorizo quesadilla. I am a girl who rarely eats red meat or anything besides fish but it combines the perfect combo of cheese and spice. Also, try the enchiladas verdes or the bistek a la casa (for all you manly  men).

You won’t walk away hungry or with a hole in your pocket. At times they are a little short on staff so service can become a bit slow (not optimal for a “quick” meal). Don’t be surprised when you become a regular after one visit.  I’ll save you a seat at the bar!

 xx,

SceneIt

Barrio Chino

253 Broome Street (b/t Orchard and Ludlow)

212-228-6710

www.barriochinonyc.com

What “City” are YOU living in??

Okay, so I just finished watching this Monday’s DVR’ed episode of The City (yes, lame, I know) and I have a few things to get off my chest.

Other than the fact that The City is basically just very well packaged air, I am a little disheartened by their depiction of what it is like to live in New York City. 

First of all, the girls’ apartments in this show are ridiculous.  I believe that Olivia lives where she does (except they keep calling her an “Upper East Sider” and her apartment is actually in Tribeca) because she is clearly living on daddy’s dime.  Now, as most people who actually live in Manhattan know, there is no way on Earth, Whitney is able to afford her “Gramercy” apartment on her DVF fashion salary without either the help of her parental units or a sugar daddy.  I have friends who have worked at DVF and trust me, they do not live in massive luxury buildings in Gramercy.  Try more like a 5th floor walk up in the East Village.

And Erin?  I’m not sure what exactly she does (except that she now has some title-less job at One Management), but again… girls with entry level jobs in New York City are NOT living in apartments like hers without financial assistance. 

So to people in Manhattan, we are very well aware that this show is basically B.S., but for little girls in Iowa who dream of moving to the “Big City” and pursuing a career  in fashion I feel sad.  They are getting an idea of something that is just not even close to accurate.  I get it, who the heck wants to watch Whitney squash cockroaches or ride the subway?  But that’s reality.  And isn’t The City supposed to be a “reality show”?

**Note: There was one highlight in Monday’s episode.  When model Allie asked Kelly Cutrone if she liked her outfit, Kelly replied that she hated the leggings.  Thank you, Kelly.  Your support in the “leggings are not pants” campaign is invaluable.