Take a Bite Out of the Big Apple

A big part of our me&t whirlwind weekend in NYC involved plenty of eating and drinking. Here is the list...

* Asellina - the flagship restaurant of the Gansevoort Park Hotel provided a convenient, Italian dinner on our first night. The three month old restaurant seemed comfortable, despite it's 10,000 square foot space. The predominantly wood interior with high ceilings and industrial lights provided a chic backdrop. The staff was friendly and the food was great. We loved the cauliflower soup. {and the champagne}

* The Black Duck - around the corner from our hotel, we accidentally found this spot for the perfect nightcap. The Black Duck - part of the new Park South Hotel - has been called "a best kept secret." A jazz band and a few sidecars ended a festive start to our weekend. We loved the unique mermaid chandeliers that loomed over the bar..go see them for yourself!

* Rosa Mexicano - okay..I remember this once unique Mexican staple before it became a chain. The location in Union Square provided a much needed pitstop after a busy day of shopping. Margaritas on the rocks (yes, with salt) and the guacamole prepared table side seemed to get us back on our feet again. We loved the enormous bowls the guac was served in.

* Da Silvano - this Greenwich Village destination provided a truly New York experience. It was intimate and bustling with plenty of people, authentic Italian food, and wine. Owner Silvano Marcchetto kept the show moving along while visiting tables and directing the busy waitstaff. The food was perfection. We especially loved the bread salad. {thanks to K&J for sharing one of their favorite NYC restaurants with me!}

* L'Express - this French bistro was across the street from our hotel and it is truly open 24/7. I wonder what is going on at, say 3 AM?? We dropped in for an early breakfast on Sunday morning. It was quiet with locals slowly rolling in. We loved the French press coffee.

It was all good.

tb