Apotheke is a new lounge that opened up on Doyers Street in Chinatown, which I think is the coolest street in NYC.
The theme of Apotheke is 17th Century Austrian apothecary, and it's a sexy spot. There are very unique details to the design and you can tell a lot of hard work and thought went into the space.
It's a large L-shaped space with a huge marble bar lit up in the back, but with no stools. There are some really nice couches along the walls, and the place is designed so that all seats are able to have a view of the bar and "magic" being created behind it.
Head mixologist and co-owner Albert Trummer leads a savvy team of mixologists who are more like bar chefs who have a wide-array of cocktail recipes up their sleeves.
I had a bunch of cocktails created by one of the mixologists, who I told what kind of alcohol I like or what type of drink I was in the mood for, and he created some wonderful results.
Apotheke is a hidden gem (there is no sign for it, it hides behind a sign that says "Golden Flower Restaurant" )on a oool street, with a hip crowd. So for great cocktails in NYC's coolest lounge Apotheke is the place for you.
Apotheke
9 Doyers St.
New York, NY 10013
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( 2.9 / 264 )Here is a great event for all you FOODIES out there!
TASTINGS NYC
NOVEMBER 7-9 at PIER 94
www.tastingsnewyorkcity.com
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( 3.1 / 523 )Tonight I decided to go to a new South African restaurant in NYC called Braai. I have never had South African cuisine before so I was excited for this culinary experience.
Braai is a very nice looking restaurant with dark lighting and bamboo ceilings; reminiscent of a sexy hut.
I ordered an Ostrich dish ($12) from a section of the menu called "Mini-Sosaties" which are "traditional skewered meats marinated overnight in Cape Malay spices complimented by a selection of sambals (signature condiment sides)". The ostrich was succulent, juicy, and great. The sambals consisted of a cucumber-yogurt dill, banana-coconut, mango-coriander salsa, mango chutney and apricot chutney. They were very authnentic and each had a distinct flavor which were perfect compliments to the meat as well as the accompanying bread basket. The bread basket came with a side of olive olive oil and a mix of cayenne and crushed peanuts which I really enjoyed.
I also ordered a side called Chakalaka ($5) which is a stewed bean salad. It had a lot of heat to it and I actually started sweating. It was powerful, flavorful, and fantastic.
Braai is definitely a welcome restaurant not only to the Theater district and Hells Kitchen, but to all of New York City. I do not know any other restaurant doing this type of cuisine. So, for a great culinary experience in a sexy environment, Braai is the perfect spot. Not only before a Broadway show, but for any time in your life.
(Note-the owners of Braai also own Xai Xai on the same block, a sexy South African wine bar)
Braai
329 West 51st St. (bet. 8th and 9th)
New York, NY 10018
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( 3 / 525 )Friday night I met my sister and her friends at Landmarc in the Time Warner Center. I have been to Landmarc in Tribeca which I like a lot and wrote about it for this site. I had heard mixed reviews of Landmarc at the Time Warner Center, but was eager to check it out.
After my sister left, I went to the bar and ordered the Landmarc hamburger and fries ($15). I wanted to add cheese ($2) to the burger and took the bartender's suggestion and went with smoked mozzarella.
Ladies and gentleman the hamburger at Landmarc at the Time Warner Center is NYC's best hamburger! It is the best hamburger I have ever had, and in fact cannot stop thinking about it! It was perfectly cooked medium (as I asked,) thick and juicy. But, what stood out about this burger is that there was some sort of seasoning in it, maybe it was just salt and pepper, I'm not sure, but I could taste it and it tasted great! The addition of the smoked mozzarella was perfect too. I added onions, lettuce, and pickle to it and it all tasted amazing! I will say that the fries were nice and crispy but underseasoned and definitely needed the addition of salt and pepper.
So, for the best hamburger in NYC definitely stop by Landmarc at the Time Warner Center!
Landmarc (At The Time Warner Center)
10 Columbus Circle (3rd Floor)
New York, NY 10019
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( 2.8 / 671 )Last Thursday I had the honor of being invited to a sake tasting at Satsko in the Lower East Side, a small Japanese Sake Bar/Restaurant. The restaurant was quite empty except for two tables of girls who looked like they were regular watchers of "Sex and the City". The fact that Satsko was empty on a Thursday night was surprising to me, especially after my tasting and meal there, for Satsko is a wonderful hidden treasure.
I was brought 6 shots of different sake by Satsko, (who is the gracious owner,) and she educated me on all of them. I've had sake many times before, but it was great to learn about and taste the differences in each type.
I was then brought out a tasting plate of food which was great! There was beef wrapped around scallions, basically a take on beef negimaki, which sat on wasabi mashed potatoes. The wasabi mashed potatoes were the perfect compliment to the beef and tasted great.
There were a few pieces of yellowtail sushi wrapped with radish, and had kelp and cilantro inside as well. This was so unique, and the textures and flavors were wonderful!
There was a nice little salad on the side with yuzu, which gave it the perfect acidity.
There was one piece of pressed sushi which consisted of three layers; salmon and eel on top, and spicy tuna in the middle. I've never had this type of sushi before, but all the layers worked well with each other.
I also enjoyed some thinly sliced pieces of avocado that came on the plate.
After having this unique, colorful, and wonderful tasting plate I was still a little hungry (and slightly buzzed) so Satsko recommended I try one of their signature dishes; Asian Chicken. I'm so glad she recommended this dish for it was amazing. Def. the perfect dish for when you are a little buzzed or drunk, and great when you are sober as well! The dish is marinated deep fried wings and drumsticks (twice-fried) and accompanied by a delicious chipotle sauce. I think double-frying the chicken is ingenius and I fell in love with the dish!
Satsko is a great laid-back spot perfect for grabbing small Japanese bites and a wide-array of sakes. They actually have different events each day of the week, including a sake tasting, just like the one I had, every Wednesday for $35 a person. I would recommend going to Satsko though any day of the week for a great time and great food.
Satsko
245 Eldridge Street (off of Houston)
New York, 10002
(Note: There is another Satsko located in the East Village at 202 East 7th St.)
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