The decor and the great twists on seafood classics combine to make Salmon River a sure bet

Most everyone will tell you that if you want to have great seafood you have to be prepared to open up your wallet and accept the “fact” that it will cost you.  That’s why it is so refreshing to see places like Salmon River which not only prove this belief to be false, but basically destroy it while filling up your stomach and satisfying your taste buds with a wide variety of great seafood and traditional Americana cuisine.  Of course, the restaurant’s name tells you what you should order, and with five different types of salmon specialties — ranging from Cedar-Planked Salmon to Santa Fe Salmon – you cannot go wrong with any of these choices as they all offer unique and exciting takes on the same basic dish.  Because of this wide selection, my personal suggestion is that any true fish lover goes with friends, making it possible for everyone to order something different, and more importantly, for everyone to get a little taste of everything!

The rest of the menu consists of standard seafood fare with anything but ordinary taste.  Seafood sandwiches such as the Oyster Po’Boy and the Crabcake Sandwich offer seafood lovers looking to have different takes on some of their favorite dishes the chance to explore new tastes – something every food enthusiasts loves to do.  Not to be forgotten is the Homemade Salmon Burger, a truly unique take on an American classic that Salmon River does exquisitely.

The Salmon River menu extends beyond the traditional dinner menu, offering a PreFixe menu that includes all three courses with set options for $24 as well as a breakfast buffet (sorry everyone, no salmon for breakfast, just your standard eggs, waffles, and such).  Located near the New York City Public Library, Salmon River is certainly one of the hidden treasures that it is worth swimming upstream to get to.

Salmon River

3 East 40^th Street (between Madison and Park Aves)

New York, NY 10016

212-481-7887

www.salmonrivernyc.com

See website for various hours of operation in regards to different menus

Price: $$$-$$$$ (depending on choice of dish)

The picture on the side of Palombo predicts the good times you'll have

Palombo Pasty Shop and Café is the first pastry shop one will encounter as they head into the heart of the Bronx’s Little Italy on Arthur Avenue, and if you catch sight of their massive display case of baked goods, it’s likely to be the last one you will see as well.  Situated on the corner of Arthur Avenue and 187^th Street the smells emanating from their bakery act as a Siren’s Call, almost forcing you to check out the inside, but there’s no need to worry, as the shop and its goods more than exceed what your nose tells you to expect.  With two large display cases full of nearly every pastry your little heart could desire – from napoleons to cannoli to fruit tarts and more – there really isn’t any way to go wrong.  The café holds a special place in many people’s hearts because of their two display cases, one with larger versions of their pastries, and one with smaller sizes of their creations (just enough to satisfy that sweet tooth without making you feel guilty).  In addition to these delectable delights Palombo also serves up some of the freshest gelato you can find in New York – at least without paying an arm and a leg.  Most of the patrons will tell you the best bet is to go with the hazelnut flavor, but there are more than enough flavors to satisfy every taste.

Escape with a napoleon and espresso and enjoy the people watching

In addition to their out-of-this-world pastry selection, Palombo can also brew a mean cup of joe.  Numerous types of coffees and coffee drinks –cappuccino, espresso (a personal favorite) and more – all help to complete the experience at this quaint little pastry shop.

Just go ahead and order the whole case, think of it as a really big sampler

While there is adequate seating inside the café, in the Spring, Summer and Fall many customers choose to sit outside under the canopy and enjoy the people watching and weather.  Often times you will notice professors and students from nearby Fordham University doing just this, but don’t be intimidated, Palombo’s is a delicious escape for everyone.

Palombo Pastry Shop and Café

601 E. 187^th Street (at the corner of Arthur Avenue and 187^th Street)

718-329-8800

Bronx, NY 10458

Price: $

Vincent's will provide the best cuts...the rest is in your hands!

Most food enthusiasts will agree that making great food at home is just as rewarding, if not more so, than going out for a great meal.  Usually the problem is that it is difficult to know where you can get the best ingredients and then even harder to know what to do with them once you get them.  Enter Vincent’s Meat Market; located on the Bronx’s famous Arthur Avenue in the heart of that borough’s Little Italy, this meat shop is here to help you get the dining out experience in the most comfortable place there is – your home.  The shop is always bustling with customers (many of whom are there each day) and the butchers behind the counter are there to make sure you don’t get lost in the commotion.

The experience of looking through and trying to decide what to get from Vincent’s massive fresh cut selection – they have everything from t-bones to duck to ribs to lamb to well, I could go on and on – can be quite daunting to the inexperienced.  However, thanks to the helpful and knowledgeable staff you need not worry.  They are able to offer suggestions based on the taste you are looking for, can offer tips on how to prepare your meal, and basically make it so that you can walk in not knowing what a cow looks like, but leave knowing more than even Wikipedia could tell you (without the bias).  Vincent’s is known for their Homemade Italian Sausage, of which there are numerous variations, but that doesn’t mean nothing else is worth checking out.  The t-bone cuts, ribeye, fresh duck, baby back ribs, and pork chops have all received their fair share of praise.  In short, Vincent’s Meat Market is a must try for anyone out there who enjoys the feeling of creating a great meal as much as they enjoy eating one and fortunately this Bronx gem gives you the opportunity to experience both.

Vincent’s Meat Market

(718) 295-9048

2374 Arthur Ave. (between 187^th and 186^th St.)

Bronx, NY

Price: $$ (depending on type of cut and poundage)

Well, after experiencing just a small, albeit great taste of what Brooklyn has to offer and having one of the worst sugar crashes in the history of man at The Chocolate Show, my 2009 Food Odyssey ended in a Tour.  Thankfully for me, it was not de France, but rather de Champagne (which made it much easier on this foodie).  I hope that everyone has enjoyed reading a little about the food events NYC has to offer, and even more so, I hope everyone is encouraged to go out and attend one themselves, they are experiences you won’t regret.

Champagne is often viewed as an elitist aspect of food culture, what with the terminology, different varieties, and of course, the cost.  However, the excellent Tour de Champagne – an event held around America and making its first appearance in New York City this year – aims to make the bubbly brother of wine more accessible to the masses.  Featuring over twenty types of champagne, fine foods from locations throughout New York City including Aureole and Madison Bistro, the inaugural Tour de Champagne in New York was a smashing success, highlighting culinary delights and educating everyone in attendance about the wide array of champagnes available for tasting.

The atmosphere itself was fitting of an event centered around the enjoyment of champagne, with men and women of all ages dressed to the nines and the sounds of a local jazz group echoing through the spacious venue.  The Tour de Champagne is a food event meant for the food enthusiast looking to broaden their horizons, and at the same time, does not mind putting on a suit and tie to fit in.  That is not to say that the Tour de Champagne is “stuffy,” but rather it is an event one attends with the intent to learn something new and enjoy what the world of champagne has to offer in an atypical environment filled with food enthusiasts.

For this reviewer, the best feature of the evening was how the men and women working the various champagne and cognac booths were more than willing to inform and educate about the nuances of their products.  As mentioned, the approachability of the champagne world can sometimes seem daunting, and the helpful information provided truly assisted in understanding this unique part of the food world better, leading to a greater appreciation for the food and drink on display.  In short, the Tour de Champagne’s inaugural stop in New York City offered a glimpse of what to expect in future years, that is to say, a night filled with great food and drink and the opportunity to explore new arenas of the food world.

Tour de Champagne Standouts

-Lord Plumleigh Imports

Specializing in cognac, the peach and pear varieties are especially enjoyable.

Visit www.lordplumleighimportsltd.com to see their entire catalogue

-Aureole

NYC restaurant impressed with their buttercream cupcakes with passion fruit icing.

Check out their entire menu at www.charliepalmer.com

-La Maison du Chocolat

Worldwide chocolatier that has to be tasted to be believed.

See their website at www.lamaisonduchocolat.com to see their Manhattan locations

-Veuve Clicquot

A very enjoyable, drinkable, modestly priced champagne that is perfect for the holidays and gatherings with friends and family.

Visit www.veuve-clicquot.com for more information on their entire line

-Moet and Chandon

Another very enjoyable champagne that would be perfect for entertaining at holidays or with friends, especially the White Star variety.

Check out www.moet.com to learn more about what they have to offer

-Palmes d’Or

A more upscale champagne (bringing with it a slightly higher cost) that definitely brings a more sophisticated taste; recommended for special occasions due to cost.

At The Chocolate Show, there is but one rule...

The second part of my food odyssey allowed me to indulge in all things chocolate…and later cost me a fortune in dental bills, but was well worth it!

Have you ever dreamed of visiting Willy Wonka’s factory?  Of going swimming in the chocolate river and drinking it all in?  Of course you have, but sadly we all know that this dream will never come true, what with the whole place being fictional and all.  Luckily for us, the annual New York City Chocolate Show is real and fills the void quite nicely – although I really do wish they had a chocolate river.  The Chocolate Show, in its twelfth year in New York City, has now become a worldwide event, with shows held in cities across the globe.  This particular rendition, held over the Halloween weekend, was meant to be a family affair, allowing the young and the young at heart alike to indulge themselves on some of the finest chocolates in the world.  And judging from the turnout, as well as the great chocolates on display, the organizers succeeded in reaching this goal.

A house made of chocolate...must add that to my list of goals to achieve in life.

The event featured dozens and dozens of chocolatiers, displaying the typical dark chocolates, milk chocolates, truffles and more.  However, The Chocolate Show had even more to offer than its name suggests.  The event also had on-site chefs demonstrating how to work your favorite type of chocolate into seemingly every meal – most obviously, delicious desserts!  Additionally, the show had an area devoted specifically to health and beauty, because after all, one should enjoy all the finer things in life that go along with these scrumptious treats.  Overall, all of the parts of The Chocolate Show added up to one glorious whole, giving the taste buds all types of amazing sensations while encouraging the mind to envision sitting on the beach, with the only worry being that the heat may melt your chocolate before it melts in your mouth!

As I have mentioned, the presentation of the show was exquisite, but of course, the true star of the show was the wide array of chocolates and the drink concoctions meant to be paired with them – surprisingly wine and rum add an excellent dimension to the taste.  As I discovered, it was next to impossible to sample every chocolate on display – not that it kept me from trying – so brace yourself for an epic sugar crash after this event.  But really, if that’s the worst thing that happens when you attend The Chocolate Show (and it is), then life is pretty sweet!

Standouts From the 12^th Annual NYC Chocolate Show

-2 Chicks with Chocolate

Besides the great line of chocolate products, this group also makes excellent after dinner drinks based around – you guessed it – chocolate!

See www.2chickswithchocolate.com for more information

-5^th Avenue Chocolatiere

While not actually located on 5^th Avenue, this long-standing chocolate shop is renowned for its truffles, stop in and you will see why!

Visit www.1800chocolate.net to see what you are missing!

-Al Nassma Chocolate

While the idea of camel milk chocolate may sound kind of out there, the end product cannot be argued with!

Check out www.al-nassma.com to see more of what they have to offer

-Jer’s Handmade Chocolates

The all-natural, handmade chocolate and peanut butter really shine and show just how much the extra attention pays off in the end.

Visit www.jers.com to see their products – and eventually give in to temptation and place an order!

-Lily O’Briens

This Irish chocolatier shows that U2 and leprechauns are not the only exports of note from the Emerald Isle

For more information see their website at www.lilyscafenyc.com

-Quady Winery

Specializing in sweet after dinner drinks that pair perfectly with your favorite desserts, it is worth searching for their wines at your local shop.

Or you can place an order and see their whole line at www.quadywinery.com

-Sweetriot

Their small little bite sized “peaces” are the chocolate answer to tic-tacs, and twice as addicting.

Visit their site at www.sweetriot.com to see what they have to offer and read about their fair trade mission.

Prosciutto Heaven on a plate

Hello food enthusiasts!  My next few posts are going to look at another side of the food world which I have been privileged enough to experience in the past few months, food events.  Besides being the equivalent of Foodie Heaven these events are a great place to meet fellow foodies and find out about amazing restaurants and places you may otherwise never have the chance to experience.  So, without further delay, join me in what was…2009: A Food Odyssey.

It seems that everyone in New York City believes that great food can only be found in Manhattan.  For twelve years the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce has put on the Brooklyn Eats event to show that this simply is not the case.  Attempting to show the best an entire borough has to offer to the food junkie in one night sounds like an impossible task, but this event did exactly that.  Displaying more than 40 of Brooklyn’s finest restaurants, bars, and beverage distributors, the Brooklyn Eats event opened this reviewer’s eyes to all the wonderful places the people of New York City have only to hop on the subway to discover.

I wish it were possible to write up each and every restaurant and bar that was at the event, as they all truly deserve it, as every establishment put their best foot forward to offer a glimpse of what they have to offer.  As the night went on it became clear that one man could never actually consume every dish – try as I might!  That is why as the evening went it was amazing to see how the experience itself brought people together, everyone bonding over their shared love of food, telling everyone else what they thought simply could not be missed.  In short, the Brooklyn Eats event became like one giant family gathering, with all of the attendees giving their two cents and their own reviews of everything available.  For the foodie who wants to attend a great food event without feeling like an outsider, the annual Brooklyn Eats event is a cannot miss.

Now that the experience itself has been explained, it is time to speak about the real attraction of the event – the food!  The first stop of the night was at the table for Scottadito Osteria Toscana, where the head chef was serving prosciutto filled with goat cheese, topped with caramelized shallots and a balsamic reduction.  If all that terminology sounds overwhelming let me put the end result in layman’s terms – delicious!  This small taste of what the restaurant has to offer overall definitely arouses the food lover’s curiosity and was just a taste of what the rest of the night would have to offer.  For more information on Scottadito Osteria Toscana visit their website at www.scottadito.com, you will not be disappointed.

Another standout on the evening was the salmon a la vodka dish from La Stalla Restaurant & Bar.  The salmon was so perfectly done and the sauce complimented it so well that even the most “fish phobic” food lover will be converted.  The best thing about La Stalla was seeing that they have managed to create great food and still offer great deals in a city where those two do not often go hand in hand.  La Stall features a happy hour from 1 PM to 6 PM every day and a brunch on Saturdays and Sundays for under ten dollars that offers all you can drink mimosas, bloody marys, or coffee.  La Stall offers the less-than-ordinary combination of Italian and Mexican cuisine, but the food also proves itself to be extraordinary, proving that when done right, anything can be combined.

After experiencing the food that other cultures have brought to Brooklyn, it was time to have the ultimate American experience, soul food.  The Soul Spot (www.thesoulspot.com) was serving jerk chicken with rice and black eyed peas.  These dishes were all new experiences for this reviewer and after tasting them I wondered why I had spent so much of my life without tasting these flavors.  After you get yourself to The Soul Spot, I imagine you will be thinking the same thing.

The three restaurants mentioned above are only a few of the great culinary experiences from the evening, and a few more the standouts on the evening are mentioned below for those of you who want to get out and find everything that Brooklyn has to offer.  For anyone wondering what a great food event is like, the answer is the annual Brooklyn Eats event, it’s just a shame that we all have to wait another year to experience it again, but when it rolls around, make sure to attend, it’s a decision you will not regret!

Other Standout Restaurants and Bars

-Buttermilk Channel

Visit www.buttermilkchannelnyc.com for more information

-Bussaco

Features an excellent full menu prix fixe and wine pairing, see www.bussacobklyn.com

-Vue Restaurant & Lounge

Visit www.vuerest.com to see what this excellent bar and restaurant has to offer

-Waterfront Ale House

See their website www.waterfrontalehouse.com to see everything this classic ale house and bar food eatery has to offer

-Cake Man Raven Confectionary

Experience why this man deserves this name, you will not be disappointed, but you will be stuffed!  Visit www.cakemanraven.com for more information

-Clover Club

The prototypical cool bar, check out their website at www.cloverclubny.com and enjoy the Spicy Pete (a personal favorite)

-The Sweet Tooth

This desert specialty restaurant proves there is no such thing as being too sweet.  Check out their website at www.shakoorssweettooth.com for more information

Great oysters await those who stop in at hectic Grand Central

Sometimes known more as “the restaurant by the Whispering Wall,” Grand Central Oyster Bar simply has the feeling of New York City.  Located between the upper and lower travel concourses at the incomparable Grand Central Station, the Oyster Bar always has a hectic, yet under control pacing to it that matches the feel and energy of the commuters and city it serves.  With a menu that changes daily – based on the catch – each trip provides a new experience.  The most popular dish, or rather dishes, are those little pieces of Heaven from the sea that give the restaurant its name – I mean of the course the oysters.

With typically over two dozen types of oysters available from the raw bar each day, the Grand Central Oyster Bar provides food lovers with a chance to expand their palate every visit.  For the novice, the very knowledgeable and helpful wait staff is an invaluable resource.  It doesn’t matter if you have had seafood for years or never had it before, these helpful men and women can match something new and exciting to your taste buds.  The Oyster Bar has become a mainstay with the commuter crowd, thanks to its quick service, large bar area, and impressive menu of domestic, microbrew, and imported beers on tap.  With such an easily accessible location, great service and even better food, it’s no wonder why the Grand Central Oyster Bar will have you coming back time and again.

Grand Central Oyster Bar

89 E. 42^nd St. (inside Grand Central Station)

New York, NY

212-490-6650

Oysterbarny.com

Hours: Weekdays 11:30 AM – 9:30 PM

Saturdays  12 PM – 9:30 PM

Closed Sundays

Price: $$$ (My advice, get a large plate of oysters to share to stretch your dollar)

Stop in for a burger and a pint, but leave the fake Irish accent on the street

It’s not often that a restaurant makes you feel like you’ve left behind the hustle and bustle of New York City, but that’s exactly how it is at Molly’s Pub and Restaurant.  Once your eyes get used to the dim lighting, and your feet get used to the sawdust on the floor, it’s time to dig in.  As great as the atmosphere at Molly’s is, the food and drink isn’t anything to shake a stick at either.  With a wide array of standard bar food – and servings that must be meant to help you hold your beer – it’s a spot you’ll want to visit again and again.

Located in a quieter residential area, the crowd that frequents Molly’s is not the typical frat boys and college kids that are common of most bars – and that’s a good thing.  Molly’s is the type of place that has regulars in at 2 PM, and that’s part of the charm; there aren’t too many places left in New York City where the owner bartends and knows the names of everyone who pulls up a stool.  In short, this Manhattan bar manages to provide just about everything one could ask for in a pub.  Luckily for all of us, Molly’s is soon going to add two more locations in Manhattan.  If they manage to capture even half of the charm of the original, we’ll all be able to escape to the Emerald Isle state of mind a little more.

Molly’s Pub and Restaurant

287 3^rd Avenue at 23^rd Street

New York, NY

Phone: 212-889-3361

Web: mollysshebeen.com

Hours: Monday- Saturday 11 AM-4 AM

Sunday Noon-4 AM

Price: $$$

Recommendations: Fish and Chips, Bacon Cheeseburger, Pint of Smithwick’s

It’s easy to go through New York City and overlook the places right in front of your eyes.  This small hole-in-the-wall breakfast and sandwich counter across from the famous Flatiron Building is just such a place.  With a counter that lets you watch your meal be cooked before your eyes, it’s a throwback in presentation, and in price.  The breakfast menu is so fairly priced it practically challenges you to try to pay over ten bucks for a meal.  The lunch and dinner menu offer the standard sandwich and burger staples, but that doesn’t mean that the food is.  The burgers are massive, the grilled cheese makes you feel at home, and the Cuban sandwich will convert anyone with a pickle phobia.  So open up those eyes, or these sandwiches will do it for you!

Eisenberg’s Sandwich Shop

174 5^th Avenue at 22^nd Street

Manhattan 10010

Phone: 212-675-5096

Hours: Monday-Friday 6:30 AM – 8 PM

Saturday 7:30 AM – 5 PM

Sunday 7:30 AM – 4 PM

Web: eisenbergsnyc.com

Price: $$