TMS keepin it Amazeballs in Chelsea

The Meatball Shop: Sliders, Kitchen Sink Salad, Risotto,
White Beans, & Chelsea Pie

We loved the original location of The Meatball Shop on the LES, but it was quite the trek so we didn't make it down that way very often. Imagine how excited we are to have a Chelsea location now. OK, yes, it's actually old news and for some reason I thought I already posted about it, but to my surprise I haven't done a post yet so I needed to correct this wrong.

Le Bon Temps a Le Grainne Cafe

Le Grainne Cafe: Escargot en Demi-Douzaine

Now that the weather has finally become pleasant enough, we've crawled out of hibernation to revisit some of our favorite Chelsea spots. Le Grainne Cafe has been one of our favorites since we discovered it a couple of years ago. 

Joe Bag of Doughnuts

Doughnut Plant: Marzipan, Vanilla, & Pistachio

It's been quite a while since I originally posted about Doughnut Plant, so just wanted to do a quick update post that this place is still our favorite doughnut place in NYC and one of our favorite treats. Paired with a cup of Joe's Ethiopia Coffee this duo makes the perfect weekend morning in.

Special shout out to the special Holiday Marzipan Yeast doughnut. Mmmmmm....doughnuts.

Incognito: A Well Kept Secret

Sausage & Prosciutto Pizza

I have walked down 18th Street many a time, but a couple of weeks ago I noticed a new spot called Incognito Bistro. Shortly after, I was invited to come try it out. Then I learned that it's not actually a new restaurant, but that they were just very aptly named. However, they've made a few changes recently which is why I suddenly noticed it and had the opportunity to try it out.

Now if you are reading this review because you are considering going to Incognito, I can save you a lot of time. Stop thinking about it and GO. However, if you want to see some gorgeous food photos and torture yourself by reading about delicious food that you aren't eating right now, then by all means, continue.

Blossom doesn't make me say "Whoa!"

Pistachio & Pepper Dusted Tofu

Blossom has been on our neighborhood "to try" list for quite some time now and tonight we were in the mood for lighter fare. We had a mini-love affair with Pure Food & Wine when we lived over in the Flatiron District and we've enjoyed picking up quick bites from their Blossom Du Jour spot, so we were excited to see what Blossom had to offer.

We entered into an intimate, elegantly-casual dining room and quickly made our selection. The Mr. ordered the Pistachio & Pepper Dusted Tofu (served with a root vegetable crepe, lemon truffle emulsion, frisée in red beet vinaigrette) and I chose the Vegetable Mezze Plate (green & yellow wax beans, escarole & cannellini beans, summer squash & corn, sautéed kale, purple yam purée, spiced quinoa pilaf, tahini spirulina).

Ahoy! 'wichcraft are you sailing aboard?

Sweet Potato Sandwich

I was excited to find that 'wichcraft is now open in Chelsea Piers. They took over the location where Stonyfield Farms used to be and this is a great move. The location is perfect for some grab-and-go breakfast/lunch fare, but Stonyfield just had too many logistical issues to make it work. 'wichcraft has fixed the layout and narrowed down the menu to make this little spot all set up for success- especially once the warmer weather hits!

Note that while they paired down the menu, they do have some additional items not available at other 'wichcraft locations. View the Chelsea Piers Menu.

I decided to try the Sweet Potato: black olives, basil, goat cheese & mozzarella on grilled country bread. Declicious! I expect no less from them and am excited to have a new lunch spot nearby!

Wasting Time at Melt Shop

Melt Shop

The Mr. loves him a good breakfast sandwich and I keep reading that Melt Shop is quite the contender in this arena. Unfortunately, we arrived after noon, which is when they stop serving breakfast. We were disappointed of course, but quickly consoled by the promise of grilled cheese. 

Sweet Sueños are Made of These

Michelada & Guacamole

Finding decent Mexican food in NYC is like the hunting for a unicorn. Everyone tells you that it's not gonna happen, but in your heart you just can't help but hope but believe. I read some good things about Sueños so was excited to try it out, especially since it's located in my 'hood: Chelsea.

Things started off well since they had Micheladas on the menu, so we ordered a couple of those and an order of Guac. They arrived and we cautiously gave them a taste and it was --

Quick Stop to Chop-Shop

Chop-Shop Front

Decided to finally check out Chelsea newcomer Chop -- Shop tonight. We're pretty excited to have this new little chic asian joint in the 'hood.

Update: TBSP

BLTA

We haven't been to our old brunch favorite TBSP much since moving further away to the West Side. We had some out-of-town guests staying with us this weekend who requested a simple, classic NYC brunch spot and it seemed like the perfect place. Right away, we noticed a bunch of small changes such as the addition of water and snacks in the foyer to enjoy while you wait.

Update: Tipsy Parson

Tipsy Parson

I've been to Tipsy Parson a few times for lunch now and keep saying that I'll come back for brunch. For some reason, I never think about it when deciding where to go, but luckily today was not one of those days. We walked right in and got seated in the window seat (joy!). Then our impressively mustached waiter swung by to take our order, but everything sounded so good (cliche, I know) that we couldn't decide! 

Let Me Tellya About Donatella

Donatella

Came to Donatella tonight with a girlfriend. Have always been intrigued to try pizza outta that glitzy gold oven. We really enjoyed the ambience and settled in for a nice meal.

John Dory Aces It

We were in the mood for oysters tonight so decided it was time to check out John Dory's Oyster Bar. Since it was impromptu, we didn't have reservations and put our name on the list. Then we jetted over to The Breslin to grab a drink and a snack while we waited. By the way, this is absolutely the way to do it. The timing of this was perfect.

Sarabeth's is a Solid Bet

Tomato Soup & Scone

I work near Chelsea Market and wind up going to grab lunch there at least several times a week, but I never realized that Sarabeth's has a lunch menu. One day, my coworkers popped in through a little door that I had never really paid attention to, so I decided to follow. Everyone in there seemed to know about the secret menu and were mysteriously placing orders for sandwiches and the like. I asked the cashier for a menu, and voila, the secret was unlocked. 

Terroir at the Porch a Terrific Spot

Terroir at the Porch

I was having a rough day and needed to get out into the sun when I remembered seeing that Terroir's new High Line outcropping had recently opened up. Perfect! I grabbed The Mr, and we headed off to some picnic tables in the sun.

Go Westville, Young Man

Breakfast Burrito

Westville is a Chelsea staple and for good reason. Wholesome, good food made from fresh ingredients with a lot of local flavor. We order delivery from them a lot at work, but this morning I went with my girl friend for brunch.

Stonyfield Farm's Chelsea's Table off to a Rocky Start

Roast Beef & Tomato Soup

I walk by Pier 62 almost every day on my way home from the gym, so was very excited to see that Stonyfield Farms Chelsea's Table restaurant had finally opened. I quickly rounded up my coworkers on an outing to go scope it out.

Finding Treasure at Foragers City Table

Menu & Beers

We were exploring Chelsea today after a week away and found that the space next to the Gem Hotel on 22nd St & 9th Ave has finally unveiled as Foragers City Table & Grocer (& Wine!). A modern and light farm to market/table space. We vowed to return for dinner in the evening to check it out.

Tasty Taco Treats at Tacombi

Tacombi Cart

The Tacombi cart showed up in Chelsea Market a few months ago, but I hadn't had a chance to check it out yet. So when The Mr. and I were hunting around the neighborhood for an afternoon snack it seemed like as good a time as any to see if they pass our Texas Taco Test.

A Window into Ventanas

Ham Croquettes y Empanadas

I walk by Ventanas almost every day and love the decor I can see from the outside, so the second I saw a Bloomspot Voucher I snapped it up to go try it out. Seemed like a good place to try for a girls' night with a girlfriend, so I called her up and arranged a date.