fav eats & sips in nyc.

My favorite places to consume fabulous drinks and food in NYC. It’s so delicious and my palate thanks me every time. Visit often because this list is updated often.

Apotheke – In need of a “prescribed” drink from good-looking men in white coats? This is the place to go and be seen. The interior is dark, has a “chemist gothic” feel and the music is just right. Make sure to try the Tomato Basil cocktail.

Blue Ribbon Sushi – Located in SoHo and they have very very fresh fish. If you’re adventurous, tell the server how much you are willing to spend (I’ll usually say $75 and that is plenty). The chef will create a presentation of beautiful fish that is pure sophistication. Afterwards, they’ll deep fry the whole fish and it’s crunchy goodness. Also, this is a great place for celebrity sightings. I saw Ashley Olsen with her boyfriend there last time. Make reservations!

Bobo – French cuisine with Parisian Flair. Located in West Village — the entrance to the restaurant is hidden. Look for the medium size rectangular chalkboard that is hanging on the metal fence, walk down the steps and you have entered a very cozy candlelit townhouse. Dinner is upstairs with bookshelves, chandeliers and large velvet benches that gives a very warm feeling. For dinner, I started with their homemade hand cut beef carpaccio — it just melted in my mouth. Scallops for the entrée – perfectly cooked with roasted cauliflower. Jason has the roasted duck that was tender and juicy. To finish off our dinner we had the peanut brittle panna cotta. Great service, a fabulous bar and certainly a place to splurge on a date night…I was in Paris again.

Boqueria – Spanish tapas. Open until midnight and I recommend the SoHo location for the service. Start out with the dates wrapped with bacon to tease your palate. Then move on their tender monkfish combined with spicy sausage. Those two dishes with a glass of wine, will delight the soul after a hard day at the office.

Bubble Lounge – A lounge specializing in champagne! Great for after work drinks and comfy big couches to relax on after a hard day at work.

Craft – Simply beautiful with a menu that reflects the season. A perfect place to dine with a group of sophisticated friends.

Kaffe 1668 – The best coffee in New York City! The café has complementary free wi-fi, the staff are professional and knows how to make a great latte that’s the right temperature and the perfect amount of foam. They also sell baked goods that are made in-house. I recommend the banana bran nut muffin. Need I say more?

Here’s an earlier blog entry I wrote about Kaffe 1668 and my search for the perfect caffeine fix in NYC.

Kefi – Greek. One of the best Greek restaurants that I have ever been too. It’s in the Upper West Side and is a very happening place. Make sure to make reservations and to ask for the specials.

Lupa – Italian. Make sure to start with the cured meats and the cod. I had their special (rabbit) but I don’t think you can ever go wrong with any of the dishes and specials. Reservations are a must because this place is always booked. You will be sitting in close quarters but the atmosphere is upbeat and the service is impeccable. Oh, make sure to check out the meat slicer up front…I wish that one day I will have a meat slicer just like Lupa’s in my “large” kitchen and a legs of cured meats.

Macao Trading Co. – Fabulous cocktails. My ultimate favorite: Kaffir Lime. The restaurant does not have a sign but look for the red light right above the steel doors.

Market Table – Seasonal American with an emphasis on seafood in West Village. I had the beet salad, oysters on the half shell, and the sautéed skate wing for my entrée. Just pure bliss.

Mudville 9 – Sports and the best buffalo wings! Try the traditional Buffalo Wow for those who love it “hot” and if you have a group of four or more – hands down, order the beer tower. Truly, this is a great place to hang out with friends on a Saturday afternoon and watch college sports. A very energetic and friendly atmosphere.

Petite Abeille – Belgium beers and food. They have a special every day of the week. My favorites are Monday’s 1/2 price Belgium beers and Thursday’s 1.25 pound lobster for $22.95. I have only been to the one on West Broadway and it’s great!

Sweet Revenge – A small little bar located in West Village specializing in homemade cupcakes and drink pairings. The cupcakes are a good size for sharing, it’s dense and the right amount of frosting with the perfect cocktail. My favorite is the Red Velvet with a glass of Prosecco.

Temple Bar – Great cocktails in SoHo and a place where you can have a conversation without yelling. Make sure to try the Not So Sloe Gin Fizz.

The Bourgeois Pig – Fantastic champagne cocktails. My favorite is the Mardi Imperial with star anise, bitters, sugar and champagne. The French cheese plate is so good and perfect for two! Thank you Sam for introducing me to this French, dark, and a very warm and inviting place. I can’t wait to try the fondue.

The Little Owl – Located on 90 Bedford in West Village – this place is all about the Mediterranean cuisine with NYC flair. What makes this place special is their seasonal menu and the atmosphere. You cannot go wrong with the seafood selection because everything I had there was moist and filled with complementary flavors. Also, the big floor to ceiling windows, the cute little elevated waiting area and the service was perfect for a Sunday dinner with friends.