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

McDonald's French Vanilla Latté and Peppermint Hot Chocolate Here for the Holidaze

By: Finance Foodie

With the holiday season in full swing, McDonald’s is celebrating with returning seasonal favorites and new McCafé beverages. The tasty line up of beverages includes the new French Vanilla Latte and the returning seasonal, Peppermint Hot Chocolate. Of course, being McCafé fan numero uno, I had to try these babies out. And the results? Read on...

Top TV Deals for Black Friday 2012

Sponsored Post

Black Friday is coming, which means that a new shopping season is coming, too. What kinds of TV products attract you to Black Friday this year? Do you know that several models of LCD HDTVs are forecasted to be sold at the lowest prices on Black Friday 2012? Let’s look through the top TV deals for Black Friday 2012 right now.

A “fun.” Time at Ben and Jerry’s Campus Consciousness Tour Preview in the Bowery Ballroom

By: Finance Foodie

Over the last two weeks, the band fun., the non-profit REVERB and the tasty Ben & Jerry’s held a two-week Campus Consciousness Tour that allowed all fans attending the opportunity to connect with their campus LGBTQ organizations, to learn how to be an Ally, get involved in the fight to get corporate money out of politics, and of course, sample free Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream.

My New Best Friends

A Happy and Healthy Thanksgiving: Easy Peasy Pre-Feast Snack Ideas

By: Vincent Yang

Oh how time seems to fly when one is having fun (or when recruiting for a full time job – either or). I looked at my calendar the other day and saw there are only two more weeks till the big Turkey Day! I will be celebrating with relatives in Los Angeles / Beverly Hills this year – and as the guest, there will be no cooking in the kitchen for me (whew – no need to start the holiday season off burning down anymore kitchens!).

View of LA

Fun and Festive at Fogo de Chao Boston

By: Jessica Cickay

When the calendar page flips to November each year, I know it’s time for me to start training my stomach for Thanksgiving – the Boston Marathon of eating. Well, I definitely got a great workout in when I visited Fogo de Chao, the new Brazilian steakhouse located right in the Copley Mall in the heart of Boston’s Back Bay.

Image Courtesy: Fogo de Chao

Cheddar is Better: Taste Testing McDonald's New Cheddar Bacon Onion Sandwiches

By: Finance Foodie

Just in time for fall, the savory new Cheddar Bacon Onion Sandwich (CBO), has just joined the McDonald’s menu in restaurants nationwide. The Cheddar Bacon Onion is available to order as an Angus Burger or as a grilled or crispy Premium Chicken Sandwich! Whatever your CBO meat preference is, each sandwich is stacked with two slices of white cheddar cheese and caramelized grilled onions, and combined with hickory-smoked bacon and topped with a creamy mustard sauce. Even though I'm technically on a "low carb" diet in anticipation of a foodie heavy Thanksgiving break with the family (Asians get-togethers = pig-out fests), I had to take a cheat day to try these three sandwiches out....

Source: McDonald's

Taking the “Bait” at Bait and Hook NYC

By: Anne M. Raso

The moderately priced Bait & Hook Seafood Shack recently took over this prime location from the much-missed Meatball Factory (reviewed here about a year ago). We loved the DIY genuine "seafood shack" appearance right down to the men and ladies' room, which looked like they were made of leftover supplies from a construction site down by the Jersey Shore. The lobster trap hanging from the ceiling as well as other nautical touches make Bait & Hook both casual and cozy.

Lobster trap hanging from the ceiling

Sweet Surprises at Francois Payard's FP Patisserie Preview Party

By: Finance Foodie

Last Monday night, renowned pastry chef Francois Payard held an opening party for his return to the Upper East Side with his brand new concept, FP Patisserie. Located on 3rd and 74th, this shop offers not only a variety of Payard's well known decadent desserts, but also French bistro style savory options - much like his old haunt, Payard Patisserie & Bistro. I had a chance to check this place out during my visit to NYC - so here's sneak peak of what to expect!

Champagne - a staple for any party! 

New York City Wine and Food Festival Day 2: Brunch with Paula Deen

By: Finance Foodie 

[Continued from Day 1]

The last day of my New York Wine and Food Festival weekend went out with a bang - as in brunch Ms. Paula Deen, aka the queen of southern comfort food. Being from the south, my mouth salivated as I glanced at the menu, which featured Paula's favorites from south of the Mason-Dixon line.

New York City Wine and Food Festival 2012 Day 1: A Toast with Charles Krug

By: Finance Foodie 

Charles Krug was Napa Valley’s first winery, established in 1861. The creation of the Family Reserve Generations wines was a fortuitous experiment by Marc back in 1991. The Family Reserve Generations wines are among the most sought after in the Charles Krug – Peter Mondavi Family portfolio. During Day One of my New York Wine and Food Festival weekend, I had the pleasure of tasting eight vintages of this elegant wine, starting with the first masterpiece from 1991.

You had me at hello....

Party All Fall: Carlos Santana's Tequila and Kohl's Spring Preview

By Anne M. Raso

[Continued from Party All Fall Part 1]

Carlos Santana is a man with a whole empire these days, and it includes custom guitars, lady's shoes and more. Most recently, he hooked up with Casa Noble tequila as an owner and there was a small, private event thrown in his honor at the uber exclusive Core Club in Midtown. Santana's decision to become an owner is most definitely not about making money as much as it is giving employment to hundreds of people who would normally be struggling. These employees do everything from harvesting the agave nectar to putting the silver labels on the classy bottles and the guitar legend seems to be about the most caring boss around. In case you are not familiar with this luxury brand, Casa Noble is premium 100 per cent blue agave tequila and is one of only three organic tequilas available.

Casa Noble Tequila

Party All Fall: Led Zeppelin Celebration Day to the World Yacht's Beauty Brunch

By: Anne M. Raso

Fall party season must be in ramp mode, for I have been to quite a diversity of parties lately -- ranging from the World Yacht's Beauty Brunch for the Cause Cruise to the Kohl's Spring Preview Bash. In this two part series, I'll give you all the scoop on what's been going on around town!

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Goodies!

Raising a Glass to Mohegan Sun's First Annual Sun BrewFest

By: Finance Foodie

For all those beer aficionados, or those who just love a good brew on the weekend, the Mohegan Sun’s first annual Sun BrewFest last weekend was the place to be. Attendees got to sample over 100 beers, including microbrews, imports, domestics, limited edition batches and malt liquors from across the country. Revelers also got a first hand opportunity to chat with brew masters to understand their brewing methods and techniques - not too shabby at all for a $20 per head admission price!

The Oranges: A Conversation With Hugh Laurie About His Unusual On-Screen "Squeeze" And More!

By: Anne M. Raso

There are a lot of TV shows set in NJ these days from Jerseylicious to The Jersey Shore to The Real Housewives Of New Jersey--so it comes as no surprise that a bunch of movies set in NJ are starting to come out The Oranges is a dark comedy about two families in the West Orange, NJ area that have been friends for decades. When one family’s rebellious daughter (played by Leighton Meester) returns home for Christmas and has an affair with one of the father figures in the clan (played by Hugh Laurie), it forces everyone to think twice about what happiness really means to them. We obviously can't give away any spoilers here but you can see this quirky comedy soon enough--it starts it's limited run this Friday. (And if you are wondering if it was really shot in West Orange--no! It was shot in New Rochelle, NY, which looks very similar; director Julian Farino wanted to take advantage of the generous tax breaks NYC gives production companies that film there.)

The Cast of The Oranges

Rustic Modern at Granary Tavern's Preview Party

By: Jessica Cickay

Take one part rustic feel, add a dash of modern flair, incorporate all things bacon and finish it off with a locally-sourced menu and an exclamation point of sleek and chic décor, and BAM! Restaurant. Born. But, despite the equation seeming semi-standard at this point in the world of food and drink, my first trip to Granary Tavern, another addition to Boston’s tasty landscape by The Glynn Hospitality Group, may have just taken a bite out of my cynicism.

Interior Courtesy Granary Tavern

Not Quite Three Stars at Tre Stelle New York

By: Simone Press

Tre Stelle means three stars in Italian. However, this new sleek and shiny spot with that namesake, hugging Madison Square Park, isn't quite there yet. The well furnished interior features lots of wood and shiny leather seating and leads diners to believe they're about to be treated to the finest in culinary adventures for their palette. But then their first course arrives.

Interior Shot Courtesy of Tre Stelle

Getting Schooled at John Harvard’s Pre-Opening Menu Preview!

By:  Kenneth Wong

So last week, I was lucky enough to be invited to John Harvard’s Brewery & Ale House pre-opening night special! For those of you who aren’t familiar with John Harvard’s, it is a local restaurant chain with its roots right here in Harvard Square in Cambridge, MA. This flagship restaurant just recently completed its two month long renovation and I was pumped to see what its new menu would bring!

Beeeeer!

The Evolution of the Online Music Industry [Infographic]

You could probably think of a ton of ways to get the music that you want. But what’s the best way? Well the music industry has come a long way in the last 100 years and you could probably ask 100 different people and get 100 different answers, but it’s really not that difficult. No doubt the easiest way to get your music is to download it. In the last 10 years music downloads have gone from not existing to to being the way that over 90% of people get their music exclusively.

Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Spring / Summer 2013: The Parties, The Products, The Players!

By: Anne M. Raso and Finance Foodie 

Of course, attendees of Mercedes Benz Fashion Week made the effort to wade through the crowds in the tents at Lincoln Center last week to see the Spring / Summer 2013 designs, but many of the press and VIPs enjoyed the parties and private lounges just as much, if not more. They give attendees the chance to kick off the Louboutins, get a backrub, have a glass of champagne and peruse the cool new products in no-pressure environment.

Victoria's Secret Party

Sweet Endings: The Chocolate Bar at Cafe Fleuri Boston

By: Finance Foodie

This past weekend was my last weekend in Boston for Summer 2012. As my internship kept me quite busy (basically was in the office every weekend), I wanted to go out with a bang and celebrate in style. Obviously, I could think of no better place to do this than The Chocolate Bar at Cafe Fleuri, located in the oh-so-elegant and newly renovated Langham Hotel.

Having a Blast - Cool New Treats from Magnum, Popsicle, Breyers, Klondike and Good Humor!

By: Finance Foodie

Brrrrrr - with the gust of cold weather, it appears summer is finally over! No more tanning by the pool, taking extended vacations and cooling off with yummy frozen treats. Well - nix that last past - even though summer might be over, it's totally not too late to still grab and snack on all the new offerings MAGNUM Ice Cream, Popsicle, Breyers, Klondike and Good Humor revealed aover this past summer. Let's do a quick review shall we?.....

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Top 3 Best Food Shows on TV

[Informational Post]

Millions of foodies turn to food shows to gain inspiration for their next dining destinations and culinary endeavors. Tune in today to explore new places, new approaches and unique recipes.

And if you want the best experience when it comes to watching your favorite cooking shows, direct.tv's full-time high-definition channels are a good place to start. The rich vibrant colors and the crystal clear clarity make it seem as if you're with the hosts, chefs and judges of some of TV's most popular food shows.

Quick and Delish: Back to School Treats to Eat

By: Finance Foodie

Ahhhh it's almost September - when kids leave the idleness and carefree spirit of summer and head back to school for a year of tests and learnings. Since I'm in grad school now, I get to experience this deja vu all over again - although this time around, going back to school is actually a vacation from the pressures of work (especially with the intense summer internships I've had)!

Hello Classroom!

Get Lean: McDonald's Launches New "Favorites Under 400" Menu Platform

By: Finance Foodie 

In addition to introducing the limited-time “Flavors of Summer” menu, McDonald’s is also continuing to focus on the nutritional commitments they made a year ago to make calorie information more accessible to its customers. Last month, McDonald’s launched “Favorites Under 400 Calories,” a new national menu platform featuring popular food and beverage choices for under 400 calories at counters and drive-thrus nationwide. This menu puts the calories front and center, and serves to empower customers and employees to make choices that are right for their nutrition needs.

Premium Grilled Chicken Sandwich (350 calories)

A Visit To L’asso EV — Pizza, Pasta & A Whole Lot More In The East Village

By: Anne M. Raso 

L’asso EV has been touting that they have the “Best Pizza In NYC”—well the pizza is pretty darn good because they made their own dough and use the softest homemade mozz this side of Italy, but they offer so much more. The atmosphere can only be described as “casual East Village” hipster but the quality of the ingredients is through the roof, from farm-fresh daily produce to artisan cheeses. Their pizza dough is made of organic unbleached and umbromated flour and the sauce is made of organic tomatoes. There are gluten free pizzas and pasta available for those with gluten allergies as well.

The Bar Area

Brother Jimmy’s Revisited: This Time We’re Checking Out Their New Cookbook!

By: Anne M. Raso

I was lucky enough to attend the blogger's launch party for the Brother Jimmy’s BBQ cookbook called Brother Jimmy’s BBQ: More Than 100 Recipes For Pork, Beef, Chicken And The Essential Southern Sides last week and was able to sample some of the menu items that are exclusive to the cookbook and some that can actually be purchased at their numerous eateries in NYC. The book actually hit the stores in June and feature recipes from executive chef Eva Pesantez and owner Josh Lebowitz.

Mines Press Online Printing [Infographic]

The Mines Press has been helping people solve their printing needs for 78 years. In that time, they’ve learned that the customer has many choices when it comes to choosing a printing company.

Whether its flyer printing or promotional desk calendar, they want you to be 100% satisfied.  So, Why Mines Press? The simple answer is that they’re big enough to possess the equipment and expertise to get the job done, and at the same time small enough to care about the customer and the outcome of the printing experience. They were here long before the Internet so they know how to answer a phone with a real person and they also have an experienced team of graphic artists whose job is to make sure the customer's printed items look great.

30 Years of Grapes and Glory at L’espalier, Hosted by Georges Duboeuf

By: Finance Foodie 

When I was banking on Wall Street, there was a strong culture of status flaunting – it was not unheard of to hear conversations such as, “last night when we were all celebrating with a bottle of Chateau Lafite….” on a regular basis. Although I can – and definitely do – appreciate an expensive bottle of red, I also believe that good wine can be found at a more reasonable price point. And now that the good times are at a halt and bonus have become almost non-existent, I think my fellow financiers should soon follow suit as well.

Hearty and Happy at Alobar Long Island City

By: Finance Foodie

When I was living in Manhattan four years ago, my first thought on a Friday night usually was not, "Hmmm, I think I'll go to Long Island City for dinner." Fast forward to present time and my thoughts have changed. Long Island City over the last few years has really developed into a destination that, dare I say, is kinda cool and worthy of a Friday night. A walk down Vernon Avenue, the main strip, and one will find cute bistros and hip bars with an equally trendy crowd.

Snacking Right to Get Slim for Summer 2012

By: Finance Foodie

Now that the weather is literally over 100 degrees, it's time to break out the short shorts and tank tops - cause baby it's warm outside! However, showing more skin means I gotta be trim - I'm sure no one wants to see a muffin top (unless it's edible) walking down Newbury Street. And as many of you may know, I'm a hardcore snacker - and it's only gotten worse since I started my internship (those afternoon slumps really hit especially hard in the office setting). But luckily as a food writer, I'm fortunate enough get the first dibs on all types of cool new foods - including the healthy ones. So here are some of my favorite snacks (all under 200 calories per serving) that taste great while keeping me at a feel great weight - along with daily exercise, of course. 

Hot and Cold: Taste Testing McDonald's Spicy Chicken McBites and Chocolate Chip Frappé

By: Finance Foodie

McDonald's - never shy on menu tweaks and limited time promos - recently introduced two new items on the market as part of their "Flavors of Summer" campaign: the Spicy Chicken McBites and the Chocolate Chip Frappe. Long time followers of financefoodie.com know my preference for McD's when it comes to fast food and that I'm always the first in line to try any new product!

First up we have the Spicy Chicken McBites. After the huge success of the original Chicken McBites (my review of the original here), McDonald's decided to bring these babies back - but with a touch of pizzazz. These crispy pieces of juicy white meat chicken are perfectly seasoned with spices that may seem mild at first bite but gradually start burning up the mouth after a few poppers. To be honest, these are pretty much just the old Chicken McBites with heat. Being a fan of all things mild and non-spicy, I definitely miss the original and wish  McDonald's would bring those back instead. Like the previous version, the Spicy Chicken McBites are available at participating McDonald’s restaurants nationwide only for a limited time and available in three sizes: Snack (3oz - 310 calories), Regular (5oz) and Shareable (10oz). 

Chef's Summer Grill at Maggiano's Little Italy Boston

By: Finance Foodie

Even though I am one that appreciates dining at exotic and exquisite restaurants, there are some days when I crave simple big portions of comfort food. Having grown up in the suburbs where chains are a way of life (family dinner nights at Red Lobster were a staple in my household), I usually try to eschew these establishments now. However, there are some fantastic chains that I still continue to visit - mostly because the food is just so darn good - and let's be real, there wouldn't be chains of these places if there wasn't a demand for their consistent across the board cuisine.

Freida Pinto Tells All (and More!) on Her New Film, Trishna!

By: Anne M. Raso 

Financefoodie.com was lucky enough to get to talk to Freida Pinto--the actress most legendary for her work in Slumdog Millionaire about her new Michael Winterbottom directed flick, Trishna--about two star-crossed lovers. Stunning dark-maned Freida is one of the few Indian actresses who has made it into mainstream Hollywood thanks to her stunning looks, the ability to choose classy projects, being "low maintenance" (as she was described by Winterbottom to me) and general elegance in both her movement and fashion sense. Freida has been with Slumdog Millionaire star Dev Patel (six years her junior) for a long time now, and we slipped in a couple of personal questions even though we were supposed to keep the questions about Trishna--her latest film set in India which is based on Thomas Hardy's tragic romance English literature classic Tess--but with modern-day Indian morals presented.

Freida Pinto. Photo: Anne M. Raso

Twitter Savvy Ben & Jerry's Scoop Truck Giving Away Free Ice Cream Across the Nation

By: Finance Foodie 


You know you’ve had that sudden urge for an afternoon pick-me-up treat, something sweet and refreshing, only to realize that you’re too busy to step out of the office for a few minutes and satisfy your craving. With Ben & Jerry’s latest outreach effort, you’re in luck! With a little social media savvy-ness and a worthwhile cause, you could have Ben & Jerry’s come straight to you to serve up scoops of peace, love and the company’s brand new, refreshing Greek Frozen Yogurt - just in time for an afternoon spring fling. 

High Marks for Highpoint Bistro and Bar NYC

By: Finance Foodie 

Since I am living in the Chelsea area this summer, I felt it would be a shame to not experience at least one or two of the local restaurants in the neighborhood. Strolling down 7th Avenue on balmy summer evening in search of a place to escape the heat and get some nosh, my friend and I stumbled upon Highpoint Bistro and Bar - a cute and casual New American cuisine-themed spot on the corner of 23rd Street.

Meat Feast at Le Marais NYC

By: Finance Foodie

During my Wall Street days, my fellow banker friends and I used to treat ourselves (on the weekends where we managed to escape the cubicle) with food trips to the finest steakhouses in Manhattan. From Delmonico's to Wolfgang's, we'd drink, chat and dream of the day we would never have to bind another pitchbook.  Even though most of us have luckily moved on from that rat race, the tradition has remained. This weekend, we decided to try Le Marais for lunch, a Kosher-French butcher shop/steakhouse combo located in the heart of the Theater District.  

From Ringo Starr Art to Steel Pier Amusements: Fun In Frantic Atlantic City

By: Anne M. Raso 

It was an honor to be invited to the grand reopening of the newly renovated (and highly legendary) Steel Pier in Atlantic City. Well, the place has a little father to go because although $21 millions has already been put into the restoration of the Pier—which had everyone from the Three Stooges to the Rolling Stone grace its former satin-curtained stage—the reopening only marked the first phase of the Pier’s grand re-emergence onto the AC cultural scene.

Rolling in the Deep at The Kati Roll Company

By: Finance Foodie

On the days that I get out of work later than proper dinner time (read: almost every night), I've struggled with finding a place open late enough near my apartment that is not only quick but also tasty. Luckily, I stumbled upon The Kati Roll Company on 39th and 6th. Originating from Kolkata (Calcutta), kati rolls are the number one choice for street snacking in India, not unlike the humble hotdog of New York City.  The Kati Roll Company first opened its doors in New York City’s eclectic Greenwich Village in 2002 with a simple menu consisting of authentically flavored rolls made with hand-ground spices, homemade parathas and freshly grilled fillings. 

Segafredo: Classic Northern Italian Fare...Served In A Space Age Bachelor Pad!

By: Anne M. Raso

I recently trekked to new northern Italian moderately priced eatery Segafredo on the site of the long gone Lone Star Roadhouse at the corner of 13th Street and Sixth Avenue in the heart of Greenwich Village. While I pondered the fate of the 40-foot iguana that used to be on the roof of the Lone Star Roadhouse (which was rumored to have been sold to an outside art collector), I enjoyed the unique ambiance and luscious eats. The sleek modern room seems to have raised deep red velvet polka dots on the bar and banquettes--and gives off that mid century modern "space age bachelor pad" feel while being warm at the same time. There is no fear of a 1950s version of Hugh Hefner resplendent in a plum silk bathrobe coming out to seduce you with the sounds of Mantovani and a glass of merlot from this eatery's extensive wine list! Also, keep in mind that Segafredo is making a big name for themselves serving alcoholic after-dinner espresso beverages--we must try those someday when we can spare staying up a few extra hours due to nighttime caffeine intake!

Chocolate Gifts Galore

Sponsored Post

According to wikipedia.org, chocolate has become one of the most popular food types and flavors in the world. Gifts of chocolate molded into different shapes have become traditional on certain holidays: chocolate bunnies and eggs are popular on Easter, chocolate coins on Hanukkah, Santa Claus and other holiday symbols on Christmas, and chocolate hearts or chocolate in heart-shaped boxes on Valentine's Day. Chocolate is also used in cold and hot beverages, to produce chocolate milk and hot chocolate. Chocolate has been the center of several successful book and film adaptations. In 1964, Roald Dahl published a children's novel titled Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. The novel centers on a poor boy named Charlie Bucket who takes a tour through the greatest chocolate factory in the world, owned by Willy Wonka. Like Water for Chocolate (Como agua para chocolate), a 1989 love story by novelist Laura Esquivel, was adapted to film in 1992. The plot incorporates magical realism with Mexican cuisine, and the title is a double entendre in its native language, referring both to a recipe for hot chocolate and to an idiom that is a metaphor for sexual arousal.

Modern Mexican at Pampano NYC

By: Finance Foodie

Although my summer in the City has been quite busy and filled with long work hours (which has left little time for trying new restaurants), I knew I had to check out Richard Sandoval's Pampano restaurant in Midtown East before my time here was up. Hearing rave reviews about this Coastal Mexican restaurant's fresh seafood and beautiful ambiance from my foodie friends couldn't keep me at bay for long, so I decided to have my supper here last Sunday night. 

Photo Source: Pampano

The Whole Hog at the Big Apple BBQ Block Party NYC

By: Finance Foodie 

Like any good (real) Texan, my mouth salivates at the mere mention of the word "BBQ". So obviously, my attendance at the Big Apple Barbecue Block Party this past weekend at Madison Square Park was a must do for my summer in NYC. After all, there's nothing like having great barbecue, listening to music and hanging out with awesome friends to chill out from a long week of work.

A Berry Merry Summer: Taste Testing McDonald's Cherry Berry Chiller and Blueberry Banana Nut Oatmeal

By: Finance Foodie

This summer, berries are everywhere – in food, fashion, beauty, home and lifestyle, berries are a summer “must have.” To capitalize on capture this trend, McDonald’s has premiered two of its newest menu innovations, the Cherry Berry Chiller and Blueberry Banana Nut Oatmeal,  featuring seasonal berries as on-the-go meals or snacks. I'm always excited to see new menu innovations from McD, so obviously I had to try these two berry babies out.

Magic Jack Plus -- It Really Is Magic!

By Anne M. Raso

I was lucky enough to try a Magic Jack Plus, and I have to say that as the most "non-tech" type in all of NYC, I am very impressed. These days, most people in town pay 35 bucks plus about 8 dollars and different fees for their monthly service. You basically can buy one for about $70 at amazon.com, Radio Shack and numerous other electronic chains, and pay another $19.99 to keep your number and $19.95 per year of service to all 50 states (you can buy international calling credits from them for a budget rate by signing onto the magicjackplus.com website). You get a new number for free, which is another bonus. I was happy to put my to the test to see how easy it was to install, sounds quality and price (which definitely cannot be beat). You also get free voicemail, and HERE IS THE BEST PART--you get all your messages sent as a sound file attached to an email. So you virtually never have to check to see who called the regular way--although you can pick up your phone at home, punch in your number, and get assess to missed calls pronto. Calling into voicemail from outside your house is done the typical way--by setting up a password. If you want to use your answering machine instead of the Magic Jack voicemail, it must be set at two rings and your phone must obviously be attached to an answering machine with a cord (or in the case of a cordless phone, the answering machine is in the charging base that the phone rests on).

Snow White and the Huntsman: Who is the Fairest of All? [Infographic]

In case you haven’t heard, today the movie ‘Snow White and the Huntsman‘ was released. The movie has a star studded cast including Kristen Stewart, Chris Hemsworth and Charlize Theron. While the reviews are just now starting to come in, the special effects, production design and Snow White and the Huntsman costumes are said to be outstanding. Whether you see the movie or not most everyone knows the story of Snow White. And according to the mirror in this fairytale, there is only one woman in all the land who is more beautiful than Queen Ravenna – SNOW WHITE. Believing herself to be the rightful most ‘fair’, Queen Ravenna orders Snow White to be killed in the ultimate tale of vengeance. We thought it would be fun to take a look at these two iconic women in this fairytale. Does the mirror speak the truth? Who really is the fairest? You be the judge. Let’s take a look.

Singapura: Asian Fusion Without The Attitude!

By: Anne M. Raso

I was lucky enough to get to check out Curry Hill's latest eatery Singapura last week. Located at 106 Lexington Avenue, it's dead in the center of all the wonderful and budget-friendly eateries in New York's second most famous Indian neighborhood (the first one being Little India which lines Sixth Street from First to Second Avenues). The bargains, quality and respectable size portions are all hear at Singapura--but the atmosphere is hipper and younger. Did I fail to mention that Singapura is not just Indian cuisine--it's a melting pot of the best of Thai, Chinese, Malaysian and Indian! I bet that Singapura is the only eatery in Manhattan offering this delectable mix! They mention on their menu that their food is more like how a Singapore housewife or food stall owner would cook than a five star chef--they like to keep it real in the kitchen and patrons appreciate that fact.

Potato Curry Puff

Entenmann’s Bakery and The Salvation Army Drum Up a Sweet Celebratio​n for the 75th Annual National Donut Day

By: Finance Foodie

Entenmann’s Bakery and The Salvation Army have partnered for a sweet celebration to commemorate the 75th National Donut Day on Friday, June 1st, 2012. The Salvation Army celebrated the first National Donut Day in Chicago in 1938 to help raise needed funds during the Great Depression and commemorate the work of the “donut lassies” who fed the tasty confection to American soldiers and made the donut what it is today. The donuts became synonymous with The Salvation Army, as well as the American soldiers who were returning home with the nickname, “doughboys.” Today, The Salvation Army continues to provide meals, including donuts, and numerous other services to clients who visit Salvation Army programs daily.

Entenmann's Donuts

Yummy Tummy: Scenes from Brooklyn's 1st Annual GoogaMooga Festival

By: Finance Foodie 

On May 19th & 20th, 2012, Brooklyn’s historic Prospect Park transformed into an amusement park of food and drink, The Great GoogaMooga. Approximately 75 food vendors, 35 brewers, 30 winemakers and 20 live music performances were on hand to help New Yorkers relish some of life’s greatest pleasures—gathering with friends and neighbors to eat, drink, talk, laugh, dance, linger and just . . . be together.  Below are some highlights / snapshots from my lazy Sunday afternoon in the park.

Finance Foodie + Friends Cooling Down with Fruit Bars from People's Pops