Triple Play: Triniti Houston's $24 Prix Fixe Lunch is Quite the Deal

By: Finance Foodie

With the culinary triad of sweet, savory and spirits in mind, Executive Chef Ryan Hildebrand (of Vic  & Anthony's fame), along with culinary partners Matt Lovelace and Greg Lowry, banded together to create Triniti, a progressive restaurant featuring New American cuisine.  Having heard fantastic things from my Houston based friends about this one year old resto, I was determined to pay this place a visit during my stopover in Houston this winter break.  Specifically, I wanted to take advantage of their much buzzed about $24 three course prix fixe lunch option (being a no-income MBA student that is pressured to take expensive "soul searching once in a lifetime" trips abroad - one has to save whenever possible).

The Open Kitchen

Bobby Van's Grill New York: Classic and Well Done

By: Anne M. Raso

There is nothing quite as rib-sticking as a classic steakhouse meal, and Bobby Van's Grill on 50th Street in Manhattan does the "steak and potatoes" thing to perfection. They keep their dishes pretty classic with the occasional Modern American twist here and there but the quality is over the top. I have no qualms about saying their filet mignon is one of the best I have ever had and that the portion is huge. Such a dish does not come cheap...but let's talk about the salad I started the meal with first. I was lucky I had any room left after eating the insanely fresh focaccia and raisin pecan bread that was put out promptly upon taking my seat. I positively did not have the urge to ask for butter or olive oil--they were divinely fresh as if they had come out of the oven in the past hour or two.

Interior

Foiled Again: Top Chef Seattle Episode 7 Quickfire Inspiration

By: Finance Foodie

Now that I'm chillaxing in my family's home for my lazy winter break - with a large kitchen and ample cooking tools at my disposal - I decided this would be the perfect opportunity to start cooking again (especially now that I have help with the dreaded task of washing the dishes and pans!).  And as I have been avidly watching Bravo's Top Chef Seattle (have actually watched all TEN seasons -  that's dedication!), I thought what better way to get inspired than to use each episode's Quickfire challange to plan my next dish?

Content and/or other value provided by our partner, Bravo.

Not Fade Away: The Sopranos David Chase's First Feature Film Rocks Out 60s Style!

By: Anne M. Raso

I was lucky enough to attend the New York Film Festival screening and Q&A session for The Sopranos creator David Chase’s first feature film, Not Fade Away—not to mention the press conference recently held at NYC’s Mandarin Oriental Hotel this past Sunday.

NOT FADE AWAY, from Paramount Vantage and Indian Paintbrush

Financefoodie.com's Favorite Things: Hip Holiday Gifts

By Anne M. Raso

Here are my top picks for holiday gifts and stocking stuffers--there is something that will please all your peeps here, whether they are a foodie or not. It's a little bit of this, a little bit of that--there's nothing like a well-rounded Christmas with something good to eat, something good to read, something fun to play, a gift card that will get you nearly anything and something soft and fluffy to keep you warm!

Lord and Taylor's Holiday Display

Nicely Compact: Behind the Scenes in the Nuchas Times Square Kiosk

By: Finance Foodie

If you've visited the Times Square area lately, you may have seen or smelled the Nuchas kiosk on the streets. Created by Argentine-born Ariel Barbouth, along with chef German Lucarelli, these uniquely flavored empanadas (and extras!) offer a South American flair baked into every bite.

The Kiosk

Room with a View at The Roof on Wilshire Los Angeles

By: Finance Foodie

Offering panoramic views of the Los Angeles skyline and Hollywood Hills, the Roof on Wilshire is The Hotel Wilshire’s innovative rooftop restaurant and bar. Created by celebrity Chef Eric Greenspan (of Foundry on Melrose), the food on the roof can be described as "Vibrant American" with creative twists on classic comfort foods. The restaurant also includes a bar specializing in both classic and signature cocktails to be enjoyed by the warmth of the intimate fire pit or in the shade of a poolside cabana.

Source: Roof on Wilshire

Eat Your Heart Out: Indulgent Eats for Holiday Treats

By: Finance Foodie

One of the most frequent question I get is: "As someone whose job is basically trying new foods, how are you not 300 pounds?" Truth is being a food writer has actually made me more disciplined about what I put in my body. Because of what I like to think of as my Type A "finance" personality, I was already very careful about working out and eating properly to maintain good health even before I started writing. Therefore, having the opportunity to test so many yummy (and not so yummy) products has made me even more aware about what actually taste good - and if I don't like it, I won't finish it.

Gimmme more (in moderation obvs)!

More than Beef: Tasting Omaha Steaks' New Menu Items

By: Anne M. Raso

If you'll excuse the bad pun, I make no bones about loving Omaha Steaks--and not just their steaks. I find them very consistent in quality on all their products. They come frozen so everything can stay indefinitely in your freezer (which is super convenient) and they are always running specials so you can get their fabulous goods for very reasonable prices--often as much as 65 per cent off if you buy their "specials"! They also offer overstocks and every month there seem to be a few days of free shipping. I have written about the classic cuts of steak and poultry on financefoodie.com before. This time around, I am sampling their four newest items, which are very different from each other and not meant for only the steak and potatoes crowd.

Arriba Arriba: Aruba Cultural Dinner at the Kitchen NYC

By: Finance Foodie

During these winter months,  I often wish for a little warmth to help me escape the freezing wastelands known as the Northeast United States. Last week I got a bit of sun and sand (in the form of heat lamps and table centerpieces, respectively) during the Aruba Artistry and Cultural dinner held at the fabulous event space, Kitchen NYC.

Feel the warmth...

Not Quite a Home Run at the New Ainsworth Park NYC

By: Simone Press

Ainsworth Park is a flashy kinda new (opened in September '12) hotspot in the Gramercy/Flatiron neighborhood of New York and although it's interior is chic and the crowd is attractive, the food is a mixed bag.

Fried Green Tomatoes