Monday, May 25, 2015

5 Ways To Eat Your Way Into Summer - NYC Edition

Summer is finally here! (!!!) Especially after the Snowmagaddens this winter, many of us are more than excited to finally see the first signs of linden flowers in our neighborhoods. To help you make the most of this great weather, here are our top 5 staff picks to enjoy the summer both outside and in your belly.

1) Stop by Street Markets
Enjoy your time soaking the sun AND munching on delicious, freshly-made food. A better way to carpe diem? We think not. Old favorites return to the NYC street scene this summer, including People's Pops at Madison Square Eats (Mon-Sun), CoCo at Passport to Taiwan (May 24), and C-Bao at Queen's Night Market (May 30). Our staff favorite is the mouth-watering pork belly buns at C-Bao, topped with yuzu-balsamic reduction and dehydrated chilies for a refreshing kick.


2) Check Out A New Private Dining Experience
Ever wondered the story behind your favorite Calamari A La Plancha? Hungry for a more intimate dining experience without breaking the bank? We got just the perfect answer for you. This summer, TastingCollective is launching a series of chef-curated, exclusive private dinners for the foodies of NYC. The best part? Come one, come all - you can sign up for just yourself or with your 20 best friends at any of their upcoming private dining events. But act quick! Spaces run out fast - so rally your foodie troops, and hop on the TastingCollective wagon.


3) Explore New Neighborhoods
Now, now, before you hit the "close" button, give us 10 seconds. Crispy Fish Sauce Chicken Wings. Smoked Bluefish Pate. Tasting Menu with Beer Pairing. These, and many more, are hidden neighborhood gems only a short subway/taxi ride away. With NYC weather treating us so nicely, we can even pretend to be tourists and take a walk down the Brooklyn Bridge after trying out the beer pairing at Luksus.

Pok Pok NY
Greenpoint Fish & Lobster Co.
Luksus

4) Eat Breakfast
Summer calls for picnic brunches out in the open sun. But for those of us looking for something a little more exciting, eggs benedict isn't quite cutting it. Luckily, we aren't the only ones getting bored with the typical poached eggs over toast. Dominique Ansel expanded his cronut empire with the self-named Dominique Ansel Kitchen, featuring modified croissant with proschiutto and Boursin cheese, matcha beignets, and made-to-order chocolate mousse. Feeling daring? Mission Cantina (Danny Bowien's take on Mexican cuisine) introduced a limited-time Vietnamese breakfast menu, including Vietnamese coffee with condensed milk, lamb pho, and duck porridge.


5) Get Outta Town
Every summer, New Yorkers flock to the Cape, Hamptons, and Poconos for good reasons. Just 2-hours away from Manhattan lay some of the best wineries and restaurants in the region, along with scenic and cozy bed-and-breakfasts to round up your weekend get-away. Our top pick is the North Fork Table & Inn in Southold, tucked away on the tip of Long Island - close enough to make it a day-trip, but far enough to unwind and capture the summer breeze.