Fiorello: Still a hit!

When I was little every year my grandmother would take me in to Lincoln Center to see the Nutcracker and we would always eat at Cafe Fiorello. I was actually a little nervous to come back since I feared it wouldn't live up to the bar set by all my happy childhood memories. The menu has changed a bit and no longer could I find the gnocchi that I always got when I was little, which was for the best since I went for the vegetable antipasti plate instead. At the end of the meal we ordered cappuccinos and skipped the profiteroles, but only because we were too full- I'm sure they are still just as good as they were all those years ago. Cafe Fiorello is a perfect pre-show meal if you are in the Lincoln Center area.

Totto does Soba

I have Totto Ramen on my list of Ramen places to try, but just found out that Totto also has restaurants for Sushi, Yakitori, and Soba. Now I can't say for sure since I'm extremely white, but Soba Totto felt very authentic. I was highly appreciative of a little 'how to eat soba' menu insert which made me feel much more welcome to ask questions of our very sweet waitress. We asked for her recommendations and wound up going with a cold and hot soba dish. So good. I definitely don't think that the fresh, subtle flavors of soba translate as easily to American taste buds as other Japanese cuisine, but I find it deliciously light and refreshing.

As a bonus Soba Totto is only a couple of blocks away from Grand Central so we went over to get an eyeful, pick up some Magnolia cupcakes, and catch the subway back home. We got a red velvet cupcake and a coconut cupcake from Magnolia and wanted to compare it to Billy's, but didn't feel equipped to claim a winner without having them side by side. I think it's safe to say they are both very yummy.

I heart Artichoke

I always thought Artichoke Basille and I would come together under very different circumstances. Mostly me wandering around drunk and it being delicious greasy food available at 2am in the East Village. Surprisingly, when I did come to have my first slice of Artichoke it was in broad daylight in Chelsea and I was decidedly sober. The Mr. and I split a slice (of the Artichoke of course) which was a good call because it is incredibly rich. Imagine your favorite restaurant artichoke dip slathered on pizza dough. Yep, you've got it. Yummy, but oh so wrong. Our dining companion opted for their margarita slice and spoke of it highly. If it's this good sober, I can't wait to enjoy it after a night of hearty drinking.

Deep in the Heart of Hill Country

It didn't take long for two Texans in NYC to learn about Hill Country BBQ and since it came highly recommended from other Texans, we were eager to check it out. We had the brilliant idea of going to watch the UT v Texas Tech game, but didn't realize what a hot ticket it is to score a spot downstairs. Instead we went ahead and ate in the regular dining room and then watched the game on a small TV in the bar area.

With a bottle of Lone Star, our table full of brisket, ribs, green bean casserole & corn pudding, and a sea full of burnt orange it was hard to believe we were in New York. This BBQ would definitely pass in Texas, but of course it couldn't beat some of our favorites. Just goes to show that NYC is a magical city where you can get anything your little heart desires and there's not much to miss from the places you've left behind (except of course for the people).

Hill Country Chicken: Off to a Hilly Start

Took a group trip to check out the latest addition to the neighborhood Hill Country Chicken. Since it's run by the same folks who do the famous Hill Country BBQ we went with high hopes. There was a ridiculous line, but that was expected since we were there on the Friday night after it's grand opening. The decor is simply adorable, like someone's Grandma's country kitchen, and the staff were efficient, but very willing to help you navigate the ordering process. We filled up our table with Hill Country Classic & Mama El's chicken, Biscuits, Blistered Corn Salad, and Cheesy Fried Mashed Potatoes. We were also super excited to discover Boylan's on tap.

The verdict, unfortunately we found the food just disappointing. The chicken was good, but not good enough to come back for, the biscuits were probably the best thing they had going, and a lot of it was just kind of dry or not as flavorful as one would wish. Well, The Mr and I are planning on finally checking out Hill Country BBQ for the Texas Longhorn football game tomorrow night, and we've been assured we won't be disappointed.