A Shake, a Steak and a Cake...

Having lived in New York City several years now, I am often asked by friends, family, random visitors, "Do ya have any recommendations for food?" I find that I always list off the same places time and again, which makes me think.... Don't I eat anywhere else? The answer is yes, but only the very best stick with me. New Yorkers are loyal to their dining establishments and have a lot of pride in being able to recommend a truly great restaurant. Because in the end, it's our reputation at... steak. 


So here is my top recommendation for a perfect day of gut-busting, palate tingling New York fare at it's best... and pretty, darn affordable

LUNCH: Shake Shack
Whether you're in Madison Square Park checking out the Flat Iron building or up at the American Museum of Natural History hanging out with some dinosaur bones, you will no doubt notice the infamous line for Shake Shack.

Known for it's legendary burger, the ShackBurger, is 100% black angus beef  that is ground daily, cooked to medium and served up between lettuce, tomato, American cheese and a buttery potato roll. If you dare, dig into some salty crinkle cut fries (smothered in cheese for me) and wash it down with their famous frozen custard.


DINNER: Schiller's Liqour Bar


Oh Schiller's, how can I count the ways I LOVE THEE!!! Located in the trendy Lower East Side, this French brasserie has the BEST steak frites! Note: I have been to Paris and eaten steak frites at the "home" of steak frites... and it still doesn't compare. Don't feel adventurous and get chicken or salmon, get the damned steak frites! For those of you who are confused.... it's is a succulent sirloin steak grilled to perfection served with frites, a heap of salty, shoe-string french fries. Here is where you do get to choose: your steak is served with your choice of a Bearnaise sauce, herbed butter or Au Poivre (a sinfully rich peppercorn and red wine reduction). 

As for the rest of the menu, the calamari is a tasty appetizer with a fiery dipping sauce, while the Mac and Cheese is loaded with creamy cheeses and thick-cut bacon. The wine menu is no fuss and to the point: Cheap, Decent and Good. I like the way they think... Excellent steak frites, great wine, cool decor, great prices and quintessentially New York... eat here... I do all the time. 

DESSERT: Junior's Cheesecake 


New York cheesecake. Tourists flock to the city to eat it. Needless to say there are A LOT of crap, knock-offs. If you're near Times Square, you'll probably notice a handful of people carrying orange and white striped bags that say Junior's. This is the home of the "MOST FABULOUS CHEESECAKE" and is THE NY CHEESECAKE!
Ask just about anyone in the city and you'll get the same answer.

Now there are some ground rules... order the Original. I know that Strawberry-topped or Raspberry swirl sound fun, but if you are going for the true taste of NY Cheesecake... get the Original. It's light, fluffy, but creamy at the same time.... it's not going to come close to any other cheesecake you've eaten. Originating in Brooklyn, Junior's has been in business for over 60 years and it all started with the Original. Personally, I am not a fan of cheesecake, except for Junior's. So much so, that I actually had in flown down South for one of the desserts at my wedding.... and you know a Southern gal is NOT gonna have at her wedding unless it's truly the best.


And that's my perfect dine for a day in NYC. But hey! What about breakfast? you ask. Hit up just about any dinner in NYC and they got breakfast covered... eggs, bacon, home fries, omelettes, waffles, french toast and the best cup of "crappy" coffee you'll ever have. So, bon appetit!

Time Cafe, Astoria, NY

After a much needed hiatus from NYC, I've returned to the city refreshed... well for the most part. Coming back from a leisurely vacation can sometimes cause even more stress when you return from you destination. However, I found a delightful little cafe in Astoria to cause the hustle and bustle of NYC to slow down a bit, and ease me back into the grind.

The Time Cafe on Broadway and 45th Street is a nice little retreat for a glass of wine and a bite to eat. It's stocked full of bookshelves to browse and borrow from, comfy lounging areas and modern jazz softly playing in the background. I went by self on a random day and hour, and was pleasantly surprised to actually see people there. I pulled up a chair at one of the cafe tables outside to soak up the sun and enjoy the passerby's.

I ordered the Meat and Cheese platter. It came with a serving of Brie, Manchego and Gouda cheeses, some salamis, Mediterranean olives and toasted pita bread. It was a tasty, non-fussy afternoon snack, which I paired with the house Pinot Grigio. The waiter graciously allowed me to occupy my table for a full 3 hrs, so I was able to leisurely nibble and sip my din. Granted, I don't think it would have been the same attitude had it been at the height of brunch hour, but I appreciated it nevertheless. So, thanks Time Cafe for helping me gently slip back into my New York state of mind.