Thai Elephant 2: Something Other than Italian Fare Finds its Way to Pawling/Patterson, NY

Thai Elephant 2 summer rolls.

(la versión en español está abajo)

Finally, some non-Italian fare breaks up the monotonous culinary mood of the Pawling/Patterson, NY area (Northeast of NYC). My family has lived in Pawling for over 30 years and since childhood, the only real style of cooking that was abundantly available in town was Italian. This March, Thai Elephant 2, helped inject some other-worldly flavors into the area, by opening up on Rt. 22 in Patterson, Pawling's neighbor. In a building that has had many culinary incarnations over the last decade, at first I was wary of the place. But, after eating their food TWO weekends in a row, I can say with complete confidence that it is: downright delicious.

Bar Basque: Worth it for the drinks and view, but not for the food

(la versión en español está abajo)
I was really looking forward to sampling the fare at Bar Basque, a tapas restaurant on the second floor of the swanky new Eventi hotel between 29th and 30th on 6th Avenue in Chelsea. I ventured there after work with my friend Danny, a former Barcelona, Spain resident as well.

As we approached the hotel, there were no signs indicating BB's existence. When we stepped off the elevator on the second floor we were confronted by a red wall with plastic computer chip replicas embedded into it. We were confused. The decor was deranged, with a sci-fi meets coastal Mediterranean fine dining restaurant weirdness.

Heinchon's Old Farmhouse: An Upstate NY Ice-Cream Institution

Heinchon's Old Farm House

For nearly eight years, I scooped ice-cream at Heinchon's Old Farm House on Rt. 22 in Pawling, on a stretch of highway connecting Manhattanites to their weekend homes in Connecticut and Massachusetts. It was hard work. Don't laugh. Over the years I nearly sprained my wrist several times digging into the hard, homemade ice-cream. I even had to wear a wrist bandage on more than one occasion for extra support. I also endured teasing from my brothers: "Carey: cone or cup?" "It's so much more than that," I would screech back. 

What's harder than scooping the ice-cream is making it. It is both costly and time-consuming to recreate traditional family recipes, but Heinchon's keeps doing it. 

Falafel on Broadway: Life-changing hummus and hot sauce

I was first introduced to Falafel on Broadway by a colleague, whose boyfriend stumbled upon this Middle Eastern fare jewel by accident. Located in Harlem, near the 1 train station at 125th street on the West side, it opened several months ago. Occupying a slightly cramped space, it has a high takeout counter that would dwarf anyone but the tall Turkish men who stand behind it preparing kebabs. There are four small dining tables in the back corner and nothing more. What it lacks in decor, it makes up for in the food, providing cheap and delicious treats. Highlights include their life-changing hummus and hot sauce.

Barcelona, Spain: FULL DISCLOSURE

view from Barceloneta (Barcelona) beach apartment 

This photo features my good friend Anna and I relaxing on a couch after an afternoon BBQ at a friend of a friend's Barceloneta Beach apartment. It is, I believe, the perfect photographic representation of Barcelona: a spectacular seaside city filled with great people, great food and fantastic views.

After bouncing back and forth between the US and Spain for 10 years and working as an English teacher and later as a staff writer and editor at a cultural magazine in Barcelona, I've compiled a comprehensive list of places to shop and eat at, as well as visit in the city I consider my other home.

Wanderlust Revelation: Hudson Valley Restaurant Week (NY)

 Hudson Valley Restaurant Week

From March 14-27, enjoy three-course lunches at popular Hudson Valley eateries for $20 and dinners at $28 (tips not included).

Modeling itself after NYC's Restaurant Week, the 5th edition of Hudson Valley Restaurant Week highlights locales on the stretch of farmland, wineries and suburbs that flanks the Hudson River crawling up the state of NY from Manhattan. Simply look over the list of 100+ HV eateries (read over the special details column as some places have surcharges or will not have special pricing during the weekend), make a reservation for a date that falls within the specially priced two weeks (via Internet or phone) and enjoy. 

Wanderlust Revelation: The Lambs Club Pre/Post Theater Prix Fixe (NYC)

by jfeuchter

One of the challenges of going to see a Broadway show in NYC is finding a good place to eat in the theater district (a strip that stretches from 42nd street to 53rd between 6th and 8th avenues). The food factions found there are as follows: old-world and eccentric (Le Rivage, a French spot), iconic places (Sardi's), family-style joints (Carmine's) and the usual, luster-lacking chain restaurants. Finding something new and fresh is a bit tricky, until now. Bringing back the swank to Broadway is The Lamb's Club.