Omakase is the ultimate Japanese dinner in my mind. For those of you that don’t know what this is, Omakase translates to the phrase, “I’ll leave it up to you.” Here in the United States, we use Omakase to describe a selection of dishes left up to the chef, typically starting with the lightest and working its way up to the heaviest. This type of Japanese meal usually ranges from $70 – $300 dollars. Crazy, right? There are only a few places where I would be willing to spend $300 on a single meal, and even then my broke-ass would be kicking myself in the face afterward. Or possibly regurgitating the food and eating it again so that I get more bang for my buck…. Anyway, being a food critic has its perks and I got to try this amazing Omakase spot in Astoria, New York called Gaijin. [Read more…] about A Night of Gluttony at Gaijin in the Heart of Astoria
FOODIE
Auntie Anne’s Announces Spicy New Pretzel Flavor!
Everyone knows (or should know) that if you need a snack while waiting in Penn Station or right in Times Square, that Auntie Anne’s should be your answer to fulfill your guilty pleasure needs. This is a company that has provided me with many fun train rides to and from Long Island, as its buttery and salty pretzel options are always tops in my books and keep me filled and satisfied throughout. Now, they have announced a new flavor that will be available for a limited amount of time later this year! What flavor made the cut? It’s spicy, that’s for sure! [Read more…] about Auntie Anne’s Announces Spicy New Pretzel Flavor!
Fresh and Magical: My Recipe for Italian Pasta Salad!
Close your eyes. Imagine a perfect summer afternoon. The sun is shining as July’s pink lilies and phlox give way to the bright yellows of August sunflowers and Black-eyed Susans. Zac Brown Band is playing as you tip back an ice-cold beer, surrounded by family and the best of friends. The smell of rich smoke from hardwood charcoal wafts off the grill where you will soon be charring juicy burgers to top with thick slices of the freshest summer tomatoes you can find. Life doesn’t get any better than this. [Read more…] about Fresh and Magical: My Recipe for Italian Pasta Salad!
Andaz 5th Avenue’s The Shop Excels in Culinary Wonderment
Andaz 5th Avenue is one of the few hotel locations in Manhattan where its restaurants that inhabit it are just as known if not more than the hotel itself. One of the spots, simply called The Shop, is located at the street level on the corner of 5th Avenue and 41st Street, right in the middle of all the craziness that breeds the area that it’s in. The madness goes away right when you walk into this sophisticated and fun spot with some quite tasty food to enjoy. [Read more…] about Andaz 5th Avenue’s The Shop Excels in Culinary Wonderment
Busta Rhymes & Angie Martinez Hit the Crystal Pepsi Throwback Tour
The 90’s seem to be in full swing in 2017 as there has been so much in the entertainment field that is celebrating the amazing decade that was. Pepsi has brought themselves into the mix where they celebrated the first stop on their Crystal Pepsi Throwback Tour right outside Yankee Stadium at Billy’s Sports Bar. Radio legend Angie Martinez played host to the event where music superstar Busta Rhymes took the stage and performed some of his biggest hits. [Read more…] about Busta Rhymes & Angie Martinez Hit the Crystal Pepsi Throwback Tour
Jonathan Wu’s Yummy Clam Pizza is Now Available at Rossopomodoro
We have a love for all things pizza here at Manhattan Digest (see here), so anytime there is exciting news in this world we get very excited. Starting today, Jonathan Wu’s clam pizza will be offered at Rossopomodoro within Eataly Flatiron and Downtown. His Clam Pizza will be made with Lap Cheong, Garlic Chives, Clam Cream, Black Beans, Ginger, Garlic, Scallion, Pickled Red Onions, Chili Oil. I’m salivating at the thought of this. [Read more…] about Jonathan Wu’s Yummy Clam Pizza is Now Available at Rossopomodoro
Round K Cafe’s Provides Some Delicious Korean-Infused Lattes
I found my newest cafe to feed my caffeine addiction. Round K Cafe – a Korean coffee shop located in the Lower East Side of Manhattan. The owner, Ockhyeon Byeon (Ock his preferred way to be called) has blown my mind with his take on lattes and cappuccinos. Not to mention his secret breakfast menu on the weekends. [Read more…] about Round K Cafe’s Provides Some Delicious Korean-Infused Lattes
Petaluma in the Upper East Side has a Hit with a Rosé Party
Last night, I was lucky to score a seat at Petaluma for their third Rosé Wine Tasting event of the summer. Five different Rosés from California, Italy, and France were slated for pairings with hits from the Upper East Side favorite’s menu. Manager Albert was incredibly welcoming and friendly. He demonstrated a love of hospitality, not just with us but with all of the other guests as well. Everyone was engaged in and experiencing their meals, rather than just eating them. [Read more…] about Petaluma in the Upper East Side has a Hit with a Rosé Party
Editor Showcase: Snack Attack Hits Marriott Marquis Times Square!
The Marriott Marquis Times Square played host to yesterday’s “Editor Showcase: Snack Attack”, which featured the latest snack innovations from some well known companies as well as ones that are just breaking through the industry. Snacks are generally thought of as calorie-filled and bad for your health (not these), however most or all of the ones that I tried last night kept the flavor and taste but also brought a ton of health factors that will make you want to snack on them now and some more later on. [Read more…] about Editor Showcase: Snack Attack Hits Marriott Marquis Times Square!
Becky’s Bites Opens & Gives Cream Cheese it’s Shining Moment
As someone who hails from Long Island, I have always been a fan of cream cheese as we have the best bagels in the world. Cream Cheese has never really had its glorious “red carpet” moment of sorts in the culinary industry IMHO, however that will be a thing of the past as new hotspot Becky’s Bites is opening Friday and will highlight cream cheese in many different capacities as well as some other tasty morsels for you to indulge in! [Read more…] about Becky’s Bites Opens & Gives Cream Cheese it’s Shining Moment