Gregory's the Great

Several of our out of town guests have asked us 'Is there a decent coffee shop nearby...that isn't Starbucks?' So in the name of research we decided to scope out Gregory's Coffee one morning. We were surprised to find that it's actually quite big with plenty of place to sit and chat or work or whatever it is that you do when you go to a coffee shop. They also had a great assortment of foods & snacks ranging from healthy (fresh fruit) to the decadent (pastries). The coffee cake was hands down the best coffee cake I have ever had. And I do not say that lightly. On top of all of this the coffee was great!

I Can Cook: Pasta alla Vodka

Tri-Color Rotini with homemade Vodka sauce, parmesan, & fresh basil

I Can Cook: Autumn Pasta

Whole wheat pumpkin ravioli with homemade butternut squash sauce, parmesan & fresh basil

Can't stop writing about TBSP

Ok, start rolling your eyes now, this is another post about TBSP. Normally we don't really do repeat posts of favorites because we tend to get the same things. But every time we come we order something new and fall in love all over again. Come on, a delicious brunch spot down the block where everyone is friendly, it feels homey, AND everything is organic & local? What more could we want?

The Mr got the breakfast sandwich which we haven't seen on the menu before and the fresh bread "made the sandwich". We also swooned for the hash browns which were super thinly cut and the perfect blend of crisp and soft.

I in unusual form went for the Burger with the Vermont Cheddar Cheese. I have been in my rare red meat phases and wasn't satisfied by our trip to Burger Joint. As expected a beautiful, thick, grass-fed burger appeared before me with fresh veggies on a delicious fresh bun. What really took us by surprise were the french fries. Absolute perfection. A nice crisp on the outside, soft potato within, and just the right amount of seasonings.

Hmm...those grill marks might just be a little too perfect...

In a frenzy for Bocca di Bacco

Asked a coworker who lives midtown for his top restaurant recommendations in his neighborhood and he suggested Bocca di Bacco. Tonight we found ourselves in a state of desperation after attempting to go to several restaurants in our area which were closed for New Year's, so we hopped on the subway uptown.

We were starving at this point, so barely glanced at the menu before ordering Bruschetta because we didn't see bread baskets on adjacent tables and weren't willing to take the risk that there might not be anything to eat before our entrees arrived. In short order a basket of bread and a side of chopped tomato & oil topping arrived and we went to town. 'This is good' I said, 'but it doesn't really seem worth the $9, this should come free'. No sooner had I said that then a board appeared with a flatbread-like item with cheese and mushrooms on it. I then realized that what we were eating was the complimentary bread and here was our appetizer. Ok, +1 for Bocca di Bacco.

I ordered the Gnocchi and The Mr got the pork chop. The gnocchi and tomato sauce and mozzarella all tasted wonderfully fresh and was delicious, but we were both blown away by the pork chop. Normally I'm not all that interested in meat and just take one bite of The Mr's dish to try it. But I found myself coming back again and again for that tender, juicy pork chop. We both agreed that this is one of the best prepared pork chops we have ever had.

Come to Mama

We were so impressed by the whole experience thus far that we ordered desserts because we didn't want it to end. We couldn't decide between the Saffron Creme Brulee and the Profiteroles so got both. My only critique here is that I was confused as to why they would serve chocolate sauce with the creme brulee since it completely overpowered the dish. But then The Mr observed that this made the dish versatile for people who wanted to share and perhaps one of the group was a chocolate lover. Ok Bocca di Bacco, another +1.

Ooooh yah

Don't make fun of my hand, like The MR did

It's amazing to me that this place advertises itself as predominantly a wine bar when this is some of the best Italian we've eaten in the city so far!