Dining

Chopped Star, Executive Chef Chris Coleman lets the truth be told. In his own words, "Watch what happens and let the truth be told. My work speaks for itself.” He spoke of the reason why he wanted to work in NYC, “New York is the capital of the world of cooking, if you can make in New York, you can make anywhere else and that is for sure.” Serving more than an estimated 3 million people, he prides himself on cooking with “professionalism, passion, and love.” His cuisine speciality is called fusion, which stems from his broad upbringing and experience.

By Hillary Latos

Though summer in the city can turn New York City weekends into a ghost town as Manhattanites flock East and South to the beaches or North to the countryside, there are plenty of reasons to enjoy an emptied city for a Manhattan Staycation.

By Chirstopher A. Pape

An authentic ambiance combined with authentic food makes for one spectacular evening out. Il Tessoro, of the Upper East Side, delivers chef/owner AJ Black’s interpretation of classic Italian food that translates into delicious dishes that are perfectly prepared and presented.

By Maxine Albert

Ever since I was in Helena, Mississippi and had the great pleasure to taste real southern barbecue from a food cart in the street, accompanying the town’s annual summer blues festival, I’ve been hooked. That’s was hands down, the best barbecue I ever had and I’ve been searching for food as good, ever since.

By Maxine Albert

Great ambience combined with great food at Dinner on Ludlow make for one great evening out. This very hip American Brasserie located on the lower east side delivers Chef John Keller’s interpretation of classic comfort food that translates into delicious dishes that are perfectly prepared and presented. Mr. Keller strikes the ideal balance with cooking and spicing so as to enhance the natural flavor of the dishes. He calls it keeping it simple; I call it art.

By Marianne Belmonte

I recently had the pleasure of experiencing German Cuisine in a delightful establishment called Landbrot. It was such a pleasant surprise to taste authentic German dishes right here in my own backyard. I was in Germany and Austria in December of last year for the Christmas Markets and it was there that I discovered my other roots and their rich cultural traditions; food being one of them. This came as a great surprise to me having grown up in an Italian household and rarely having German food. (If you are even just a little bit Italian you will understand that they don't believe any other cuisine exists, that is, for the occasional Chinese fare.) The only German food I had ever had was when 86th Street was considered Germantown and my mother felt obliged to take us there or on the few occasions that we visited the Amish Country in Pennsylvania. Having said all that you are in for a real treat if you take my suggestion and go to Landbrot in the West Village or their other location on the Lower East Side.

By Lisa Loverro

You mention the 40/40 Club to most and immediately the thought of hip-hop, Jay-Z or baseball comes to mind. If it doesn’t, well, read on and discover how this entrepreneurial musician turned an exclusive baseball term into a club synonymous with bottle service.

By Demetra M. Pappas

There is an actual “Marco” at Marco Polo Ristorante. This 29-year old haute Italian restaurant is, in fact, named after the youthful and engaging Marco Chirico (as well as the Venetian explorer, of course), son of original owner Joseph and current chef. The restaurant, located in the heart of Carroll Gardens, also has a banquet room on the second floor (recently, it was being used for a film shoot, though owners and staff displayed tremendous discretion in not disclosing details).

By Lisa Loverro

Pescatore, the Italian mainstay restaurant on Manhattan’s Second Avenue, serves traditional Italian dishes and seafood plates with a touch of their own creativity and flair. In a cozy and inviting environment, the eatery offers consistently delicious and affordable dishes. It’s elegant décor, lit candles throughout, employing a well-informed and refined wait staff, sans any attitude you might find in other Manhattan restaurants. Their wines by the glass (or the bottle) won’t break the bank and the dishes are very moderately priced.

By Barry Bassis

With all the new theaters that have opened on 42nd Street west of 9th Avenue and the surrounding area, we’re always on the lookout for new places to dine or have a drink before or after a show. Our prayers were answered when KTCHN opened last year.