Contemporary Cravings in West Chelsea

The innovative architectural and design firm, Murphy and Dine, brings fresh design in a mixed-use venue with MaD Gallery, West Chelsea’s newest addition to the burgeoning art district. Like many galleries in town, MaD is available for a multitude of private events, but unlike many others, it boasts an adjoining 1000 sq ft private terrace as well as a 5000 sq ft rooftop garden with views overlooking the High Line Park, and smiling back at the Empire State Building. As the pictures detail, it is flooded with natural light, and cool, clean lines to play off of when styling your own event. With the High Line Park now an international tourist destination, the art in the galleries gaining worldwide recognition, restaurants making the leap to a less trodden area of town, and the recent opening of a Tesla dealership two blocks away, the neighborhood has morphed into more than just a destination for serious art lovers and collectors (and clubland goers). It’s a dynamic, growing business district with vibrancy and optimism. MaD Gallery beautifully captures this energy and paints a befitting landscape.

Images courtesy of MaD Gallery

Ma(i)sonry

A forewarning that after your visit to Ma(i)sonry on Yountville’s main drag, Washington Street, you may, like me, want to move in. A restored “maison,” hence the name, the property was built in the early 1900s by an Italian immigrant-vineyardist, and later became the seven room Burgundy House Inn until the team behind Blackbird Vineyards bought it in 2007.  The beautiful and charming space now serves as a unique collective: a place to taste a rotating selection of wines from nearby artisan wineries, including a range of Pomerol-inspired vintages from the proprietor’s Blackbird Vineyards, an artistic, elegant venue to host a private event, such as a family style garden dinner with seasonal dishes placed along the rustic wooden table on the back patio, and, a place to be inspired by design, the works of independent artists, and striking, one of a kind vintage pieces featured in the ever-changing, handsomely curated rooms. Aesthetically pleasing on many levels, it is not only fueled by creativity and quality but by warm hospitality and a casual, “retreat-like” atmosphere. If dinner at the French Laundry wasn’t calling on the night that I was there, I would have settled back into one of the patio chairs and created my very own zen garden party on the spot. Ma(i)sonry emulates the enviable Napa lifestyle at its finest!

Uptown “Word of Mouth”

Image courtesy of A Voce Columbus

Boasting a light-flooded interior, this sleek and handsome twin to A Voce Madison, which was previously home to Cafe Gray, commands attention. And rightfully so. Italophile chef Missy Robbins, most recently of the celebrated restaurant Spiaggia in Chicago, has come to NY to steer the A Voce ship and offer tasteful, “refined rustic” Italian to compliment the thoughtfully selected wine list by the charismatic and talented Olivier Flosse. The re-design of the space (also by David Rockwell) has repositioned the kitchen to allow for more expansive views of Central Park, as well as included a small private room dubbed La Tavola, enclosed behind panels of wine racks, and a private event space which can seat up to 66. It’s sophisticated and lean, and though thoughts of a modern conference room space may creep up as you sit back in your cream-colored Eames chair, hopefully they will soon dissipate upon delving into a dish of Spaghetti alla Chitarra: hand-made spaghetti with crab, leeks, lemon and sea urchin butter.

Charm + Substance at Tavern

Suzanne Goin’s latest addition to her Los Angeles restaurant empire takes shape at the Brentwood market/cafe/restaurant, Tavern. Matte earthy tones bring homey comforts to the space, which upon entering begins as a bakery-cafe then segues into a dressed up bar, before leading into the dining room, an atrium meets living room with upholstered chairs, a carpeted floor, and stylistic touches reminiscent of a muted Kelly Wearstler design. During the day, sunrays stream through the glassed-in ceiling, offering an airy garden-like feel to the room, further accented by the olive tree holding court in the center. The pictures below are testimony to the natural light flooding the space as each white plate glistens and even the hamburger bun shines.

Goin and her team have mastered Cal-French cuisine, incorporating classical technique into timeless international dishes while using a light, inspired hand to let the seasonal market produce make a statement. The tastes are balanced and undeniably fresh. We started with a beautiful smoked fish platter with juicy beefsteak heirloom tomatoes accompanied by rye toast baked in-house, followed by a Cobb salad of sorts and a fantastic burger, juicy and dressed with pungent fontina, and a side of crispy fries with herbed mayo. My citrusey, medium-bodied Hop Ottin IPA from Anderson Valley was the perfect “tavern” pairing, though I was first tempted by the very nice selection of wines by the glass to wash it down. We thought we’d curb our gluttony by ordering the Pecan Sticky Bun without Bacon (considering we already had the glorious pork product in our salad) but loved the inventive option in the sweet pastry. Though well-satiated after lunch, I wandered back to the market and browsed the various olive oils, safrron and spices as well as the giant chocolate chip cookies, questioning whether I might have room for one “to go,” before I caught glimpse of the man making homemade gnocchi behind the glass peep window. Truly a feast for the senses!

Smoked Fish Platter

Pecan Sticky Bun

Niman Ranch burger with Fontina

Salt Water Farm’s “Maine Event”

Last weekend in Lincolnville, Maine marked the first ever “Maine Event” at Salt Water Farm, a lovely property on the coast with a state of the art kitchen in an antique barn. The weekend was dedicated to celebrating the art of butchering, cooking, shucking, roasting, pickling and preserving the finest in farm fresh, local foods with classes led by masterful chefs from some of our favorite Brooklyn, New York haunts: Tom Mylan from Marlow and Sons, Dennis Spina from the Roebling Tea Room and Millicent Souris from Egg.

The weekend began with a chef demonstration on how to butcher a pig, a lamb and six chickens, before preparing them into the evening’s meals accompanied with vegetables from the farm’s garden of over 100 seed varieties.  It then segued into seafood, and what better place to indulge in the delights of the sea than the the coast of Maine?  Prior to the seafood feast, which included a traditional lobster bake, smoked trout, Pemaquid oysters, mussels, and steamers, the chefs hosted classes on how to shuck oysters, and organized a trip to the beach to hunt mussels. In this culinary DIY era, with an emphasis on all things green and sustainable, the weekend was as wholesome as it was educational. 

I found out about this year’s event too late to attend, but the feedback was sensational and word is it will surge forward as an annual if not bi-annual event. Accommodations in the area abound, from cabins in the woods to charming New England inns, all in close distance to farmer’s market bounty, hiking trails and the Penobscot Bay. A true foodie’s haven, this weekend might serve as a crash-course stage for the gastronomic enthusiast or aspiring chef. Did I mention there was also a class on distilling whiskey and brewing your own beer? Now, all the bases are covered!

Who’s cooking at Hotel Astra?

On the stunning island of Santorini, nestled in the slope of hotels along the Imerovigli cliffside, sits Astra Apartments and Suites, boasting a glorious view of the seemingly infinite Aegean sea. Lucky for me, I arrived to this boutique hotel at dusk and was welcomed with hugs from friends, and a brown sugar mojito. I was instantly overwhelmed with the feeling of pleasure and gratitude as I sat on the terrace, sipping, and digesting the expansive views, the soft, salty wind sweeping my face. As the air turned cooler and the sun fell into the sea, the starry lights from the neighboring town of Oia glittered; it was then that the said romance of the island made itself quite heard.

Amongst the local specialties we ordered that night was, of course, octopus. And, it was the best octopus I’ve tasted in my life. We unraveled the parchment paper that concealed the juicy, giant sea creature with great care, and relished each bite, the soft texture of the octopus pulling into delicate strands like that of buffalo milk mozzarella. Unreal. The next day, poolside, we ordered up a lunch (pictured below) of an open face tuna sandwich, and a Greek salad, which became a daily, if not twice daily, ritual for the rest of the trip.  Simple as these dishes were, they were outstanding, the sizable block of creamy feta dusted with oregano sat atop the classic mix of Kalamata olives, cucumbers, onions and tomatoes. The standout additions, which set this salad apart from every other Greek salad, besides the delicious local cheese, were the juicy, blood red Santorini tomatoes, and the capers, which swam at the bottom of the bowl in a light pool of spicy Greek olive oil, and brought characteristic herbal notes to each composed bite. The chef at Astra, Chrisostomos Prasatzis, also the man at the helm at Mamacas, a beloved Greek taverna in Athens, has certainly demonstrated in his traditional cuisine, respect for the best raw ingredients one can find, and in turn has made this slice of paradise that much sweeter.

Cocktail All Stars Launches in HK

Bringing together leading talents in the cocktail industry to promote cocktail culture, history and lifestyle, Cocktail All Stars kicked off this past week for a crowd of receptive, thirsty and vibrant Hong Kong-ites in a series of nightly events at the Landmark Mandarin Oriental.  Eben Freeman, Linden Pride and Jim Meehan brought their dynamic styles and personalities to man the MO bar and serve drinks such as the Lapsang Tea Whiskey Highball, and the Brown Velvet (pictured), which only a class act like Eben could concoct: Carbonated Soave, Vin Santo, and Oloroso Sherry with “Stout head.”

On Wednesday’s ‘Dinner of the Senses’ in the hotel’s restaurant, Amber, chef Richard Ekkebus designed an eight course menu to pair alongside the specialty drinks. My favorite amongst the all star menu was the dish of squid (pictured below) with warm lardo “cul noire,” fresh almonds and Tasmanian black truffles. It tasted as gorgeous as it looks; the soft texture of the squid enriched by the creaminess of the lardo and earth-laden with truffles, which were shaved into paper thin discs. An inventive cocktail pairing by Meehan, in the guise of the “Creole Lady,” combined bourbon, sherry, ginger beer and maraschino liqueur, offering forth toasty caramel notes to jive with the complexities and richness of the squid.

Cocktail All Stars plans to grace cities around the globe every 6 weeks, with themed pop-up events and seminars about modern mixology – an exciting and welcome addition to the culinary and beverage landscape….

Prime Time in Carroll Gardens

Before you and your Italian neighbor know it, the gents behind Frankies 457 will have converted the entire block into a foodie mecca, replete with rustic Italian, courtyard dining, housemade olive oil, traditional homespun cocktails, and simple Bavarian – which takes form in their newest venture, the resto-saloon, Prime Meats….

Rarely early for dining occasions, I took the opportunity to stake out a front booth alongside the window looking out onto a mellow section of Court St. I received a warm and contented welcome from the staff, one which nearly verged on the reception I might expect upon arriving on a blistery night to a guest haus in the Alps. I indulged in it, taking my time perusing the cocktail list and appreciating moments of nostalgia before ordering up a Loganberry Scramble – reposado tequila, loganberry liqueur, lemon juice, agave. The drink is typically served on the rocks, but the barman obliged to make it for me up, as I have a fondness for tequila, chilled, neat. It did not disappoint. Round, with a hint of smokiness from the reposado, and balanced with the tart and juicy flavors from loganberry and lemon.

Loganberry Scramble (served up)

Bibb Lettuce with Pumpkin Seeds, Radish & Pumpkin Seed Oil

The food menu and wine and beer list delves deeper into the German-Austro country-style theme with some great selections; the spaetzle some of the best in the boroughs – creamy, cheesy and finished with fine herbs – and the hunters sausage – classic, gamey and hearty. Pictured above is a beautiful composed salad of delicate market bibb lettuce, lightly drizzled with pumpkin seed oil which lifted the salad out of its typical preparation, offering forth a nutty, citrus flavor profile.  All that’s needed now is a few rows of grape vines in the backyard and a small farm and the restaurants could be fully self-sustainable!

Rebirth of Cool

Walking down the narrow stretch of Cleveland Place where Kenmare and Lafayette intersect and form a triangle – which will hopefully one day morph into a miniature park – it would be quite easy to walk right past Veloce Club. Its neighbor, Eileen’s Cheesecake, speaks loudly while Veloce Club remains suave and cool, a modest and decidedly fresh welcoming in an otherwise barren desert, save from what Serge Becker’s team serves up cold at La Esquina and Select. As those who’ve watched the metamorphosis of this space over the past five years can attest, it has had a wealth of personalities: a wine bar, a crudo bar, a sushi joint, and a dessert bar. In its latest incarnation its identity has been realized (for now) and it finally feels comfortable in its own skin. The sophisticated, classic and relaxed atmosphere of the King Cole or Bemelmans is ever present, though the drinks and the trademark Veloce panini and tramezzini don’t come at uptown prices, and there are the tell-tale reminders of downtown edge, namely the vintage Vespa parked inside and modern art painting of George Washington.  The cocktails are classic favorites: the Negroni, the Manhattan and the Whiskey Sour to name a few, and are perfectly correct and delicious and a harbinger to hours of conversation in the soft leather booths. Veloce Club reminds us that as the evening cocktail hour beckons why overthink what has been tried and tested over the years and has come out winning: time-honored cocktail recipes, jazz, cheese sandwiches and tailored service. Bellissimo.

City Winery takes Manhattan

Image courtesy of City Winery

Part crush pad, restaurant, music venue and private event space, the only thing City Winery is missing is a lot full of vines. First of its kind in NYC, this venue, monstrous in overall scale, not only brings a fantastic selection of winemakers into its doors for events but also a diverse range of musical acts unto its stage. No surprise as its owner is Michael Dorf of Knitting Factory fame. The downstairs private room (pictured above) is adjacent to the cellar and you can scope out the barrels of newly made wine aging steadily through the glassed-in windows. But perhaps my favorite is the idea of a wine tasting in the actual winery amidst steel tanks and that lovable smell of fermenting juice…how fortunate that Murray’s Cheese has set up a cheese bar as well just outside the winery’s doors to make for a perfect pairing.