Vis-à-vis: Something New And Delightful In Brighton Beach

By: Anne M. Raso

I recently hopped on the Q train to Brighton Beach in the quest to try a restaurant that is being publicized as “Brighton Beach’s first fine dining experience.” I have only had Russian food in this neighborhood in the past, and those restaurants tend to run the gamut from mom and pop to fancy, but in general they all serve classic Russian fare without much straying from the usual classics. Vis-à-vis is different; it’s a classy fusion of French, farm to table and Modern American. They have super fresh seafood, grass fed beef and vegetables grown as “close to home” as possible. The décor is on the formal side and the main dining room has a country club feeling while the bar area gives off the vibe of a glamorous Manhattan nightclub with its huge chandeliers and fancy cognacs/armagnacs in big glass cases.

Interior

Tech Meets Love: Wattpad and After by Anna Todd

By: Finance Foodie, in conjunction with One2One Network

I recently was sent a copy of the book After, by Anna Todd. Being an avid reader, I was interested in this book not only for its juicy plot (good girl college student falls in love with a troubled bad boy) but for the unique way this book was written.

The Finance Foodie Holiday Gift Guide, Pt. 4: Under $50 Stocking Stuffers For All!

By: Anne Raso and Finance Foodie

Part 4 of our guide showcase cool gifts that won't break the bank.

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The Finance Foodie Holiday Gift Guide, Part 3: Unforgettable Gifts For Foodies!

By: Anne Raso and Finance Foodie

Let's face it - the holiday season is just an excuse to eat well and eat often. Part 3 of our Finance Foodie Holiday Gift Guide tackles gifts for that finicky foodie in your life.

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The Finance Foodie Holiday Gift Guide, Part 2: Unforgettable Gifts For Him, Her and the Kids!

By: Anne M. Raso and Finance Foodie

We’ve got all your holiday shopping needs covered—even if you have to pick out a gift for a hard to please guy, impossible lady or spoiled kid!

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The Finance Foodie Holiday Gift Guide, Pt. 1: The Five Best NYC Places To Buy Last Minute Gifts 'N Gourmet Goodies!

By: Anne M. Raso

This is the time of year when you want to avoid long lines at all costs, whether you are buying a holiday gift or just trying to bring some nice "eats" over to a friend's house to help celebrate the holidays! Here are FF's Top Picks for easy, breezy holiday buying! All are open late seven days a week!

Guerlain

Specialty Food Association Holiday Taste Test: Enjoying Unusual Gourmet Products Perfect For Holiday Meals & Snacking!

By: Anne M. Raso

Nine sweet and nine spicy gift ideas were presented for tasting at an exclusive event on the offices of the Specialty Food Association recently. In case you don't know, they're the folks who bring the wonderful Fancy Food Show to New York and San Fran (and occasionally other destinations) each year. Guests included the entrepreneurs behind two of the products: Rick Fields of Rick’s Picks, with Smokra, and Kate Pratt and Michel Mazuret, the duo behind East Hampton Gourmet’s gift-worthy, and gluten-free, East Hampton Gourmet Crispbread.

Zingerman's Peanut Brittle

The Lodge Club—Bringing Gastro Goodness To The West Village!

By: Anne M. Raso

I really enjoyed the dark dance club atmosphere of the dining room at the back of The Lodge Club in the Village. The music varied from disco to punk rock to today’s alt rock and the food was fine gastropub fare. They are getting famous for their roasted bone marrow, but I stuck to more basic Modern American versions of the comfort food classics that are on the menu. Portions were respectable and most can be shared between two diners. The Lodge Club is from the same folks who brought you Bounce and Vero Midtown, so you just know they have high standards for ingredients and kitchen staff. Chef Olnowich has works for Olives NYC and the restaurant at L’Ecole (the French cooking school downtown) so you just know that he’s creative before you set foot in The Lodge!

A Mighty Meaty Meal at Texas de Brazil

By: Alex Loanzon

Following a gluttonous Thanksgiving Day meal, the Mister and I decided to continue on the path of excess throughout the weekend by going to a buffet on Saturday night - I mean, why quit while we're ahead (on the weight gain) LOL? Enter Texas de Brazil (TdB), an upscale Brazilian eatery featuring all-you-can-eat grilled meat carved tableside & a salad bar.

Downstairs Bar