Finance Foodie's 2015 Holiday Gift Guide: Best of the Best

By: Finance Foodie

The holiday season is drawing near and Team Finance Foodie has been hard at work trying to find the best of the best for your favorite foodie friends and/or yourself. It’s been a whole lotta work (and delicious fun), but we managed to whittle down the list to our Top Five Guide filled some good eats, some good drinks, and even something for good sight (to see all the treats, natch)!

An Asian Sensation at Uncle Sam's New York

By: Finance Foodie 

This past weekend, the Mister and I were craving different cuisines for lunch - he wanted a burger and I wanted Asian. Thankfully, Uncle Sam's came to the rescue - no not the American taxation icon, but the Beijing-based burger joint that just opened its first location in New York City earlier this year. Serving American style comfort foods (like fries and shakes) combined with Asian flavored burgers, Uncle Sam's brings a creative and exotic twist to all-American fast food cuisine.

Interior

Ballin' like a Baller at Bagatelle

By: Finance Foodie

Unless you are living under a rock in New York, you have probably heard about the Meatpacking joint Bagatelle. Famous for its "turnt up" boozy brunches where patrons dance on tables and drink like camels all before the sun goes down, I must admit I was a bit hesitant to go when I got an invite to have dinner with a few other media foodies (my days of "wiling out" have long been burried). However, I'd always been curious about the scene and my curiosity got the best of me, so I dusted off my heels and party outfit and headed out for the evening.

Exterior

A Family Friendly Brunch at Greenwich Street Tavern

By: Finance Foodie 

This past weekend, the Mister and I checked out Greenwich Street Tavern (GST) in Tribeca for brunch. I had previously heard about this joint through my "downtown finance foodie" friends -- given its close proximity to the Wall Street banks, GST is known as the go to spot for bro-ey bankers in search of booze after (or sometimes during) work.  Since I was intrigued by GST's new brunch menu that promised an upscale twist on American pub fare (and because the Mister wanted to eat at a place where he could watch his English Premier League matches), this resto was a no-brainer pick for some weekend nosh.

Exterior

Finding New York’s Best Doughnuts

Sponsored Post

Cream-filled, glazed or bursting with chocolate, doughnuts are one of the most irresistible treats out there today. If someone tells you that they don’t like doughnuts, chances are they are aliens posing as humans. New York is blessed to have some top class doughnut shops that go above and beyond the large national chains.

If you’re planning on visiting the Big Apple anytime soon, and are searching for accommodation that offers the true local experience, why not go for the classic Housetrip NYC approach. This option steers you away from hotels, allowing you to rent out a home, sprinkling the right amount of local spice on your holiday.

Here are some of the best doughnut shops that should definitely make it onto your NYC food bucket list.

How Divine! Brunch at Madison and Vine

By: Finance Foodie 

As the last days of the hot summer weather slowly trickle away, the Mister and I find ourselves determined to do as much open patio brunching as possible. However, feeling lazy this past Saturday after a week of work travel, we wanted something close to our 'hood (Midtown East). Luckily, we stumbled upon Madison and Vine, a cute and cozy American bistro located on the bottom floor of the Library Hotel.

Exterior

Ballin’ in Brooklyn: Like a Local Tours’ Williamsburg Bites Food Tour

By: Finance Foodie

The Mister and I are absolutely obsessed with taking walking food tours as a way to explore new neighborhoods, imbibe in delicious gems while getting some outdoor exercise (yes we are the couple who wear the matching athletic gear walking around town). Since we stayed local this past Labor Day weekend, we decided to take Like a Local Tours’ Saturday Williamsburg Bites Food Tour. In our numerous years of living in Manhattan, we realized we had never been to the hipster hangout across the river! Given that the city traffic pretty much dies during Labor Day weekend, we thought there was no better time to check out the local flavor in this trendy Brooklyn enclave.

Williamsburg Waterfront

Women’s Health Magazine / FEED Foundation RUN10 FEED10 10K Charity Race in NYC

By: Finance Foodie, in partnership with Women's Health Magazine 

This fall, Women’s Health magazine will once again host its signature RUN10 FEED10 event with a mission! Kicking off the event series in New York City on September 20, thousands of participants will run down the West Side Highway for the timed 10K race.

It’s a Seafood Summer with Seamless Picnic Day and Luke’s Lobster

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Seamless. All opinions are 100% mine.

As the summer days roll along in the Big Apple, I find it increasingly difficult to sit at my desk for lunch when I see the fantastically sunny weather outside.  The air conditioning is starting to feel cloying and all I wanted to do when the clock strikes noon is be among the greenery and enjoy a picnic in the park.

We All Scream For Sugartooth Tours Ice Cream Summer Sundays Frozen Treats Tour

By: Finance Foodie

Summer in the City, back of my neck getting dirty and gritty…what to do about that? Answer: Operation Cool Down! Last Sunday, the Mister and I decided we weren’t going to let the blazing hotness keep us locked in doors – no, we were going to beat Mr. Heat by fighting it with Ms. Sweet’s cool confectioneries on Sugartooth Tours’ Ice Cream Summer Sundays Frozen Treats Tour.

Our sweet tour guide Allyson

And the Award Goes To....Summer Fancy Food Show 2015

By: Finance Foodie

Every year when I attend the Summer Fancy Food Show, I try to come up with a game plan in order to maximize the sampling while minimizing the bloat in my stomach. Unfortunately, every year I fail at this, and this year was no exception.

Enter at Your Own Gastronomical Risk!

New Apartment, New Art: CanvasPop Customized Art Prints

By: Finance Foodie

Now that the Mister and I have finally moved into our new home, it's time to start decorating! Our previous apartment had strict rental rules (i.e. no poking holes in the walls to hang art, no painting the walls any other color but white) but now that we have our own place, we can make the apartment really feel like a real home. Therefore, when CanvasPop gave us the opportunity to create our own customized art print as a house warming gift, we absolutely said, "Where do we start?!?"

Scrumptious Sunday Brunch at Davio's New York

By: Finance Foodie

As the weather has finally turned warm, there is no better way to celebrate than a peaceful and elegant Sunday brunch. This past weekend, the Mister and I headed to Davio's to check out their brand new brunch menu. I have always been a fan of their high quality steaks for dinner so I was excited to check out what they had in store for lunch!

Fried Egg Yolks

8th Annual New Taste of the Upper West Side - May 27-30, 2015

By: Finance Foodie

An outstanding list of restaurants and chefs will participate in the 8th annual event taking place on Wednesday May 27th, Friday May 29th & Saturday May 30th. NBC's Adam Richman will host "Comfort Classics" on Friday, May 29th and Food Network's Marc Murphy & Anne Burrell will host "Best of the West" on Saturday, May 30th. Highlights include Momofuku Milk Bar, Bar Boulud, Boulud Sud, Parm, RedFarm, The Meatball Shop, Sarabeth's, The Mermaid Inn, Luke's Lobster, Gotham West Market's Genuine Roadside, Magnolia Bakery, Shake Shack, Rosa Mexicano, Tavern on the Green, Dovetail, The Ribbon and many more! For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit http://www.newtasteuws.com.

NYFW For Fall '15: Favorite Shows and Parties!

By: Anne Raso

Every New York Fashion Week is a rush of craziness, color and being crushed tight into the shows, both on s‎ite at the Lincoln Center "tents" and at the many off site shows. You kind of get used to having to sit tight to people from riding the subways here, but how close the seats are arranged at the NYFW shows gives the phrase "packed in like sardines" new meaning, LOL! My favorite shows never seem to be the "big" ones by the legendary designers such as Ralph Lauren or Oscar De La Renta, but rather the lesser-known designers who aren't afraid to put an edge to their designs. I also admit to a soft spot for evening wear, and that's why I love to go to Lela Rose and The Red Dress Collection each year.

Burger & Lobster: No Reservations, No Menus, No Apps…Just Simple, Hearty Fare!

By: Anne M. Raso

Going out with a bunch of friends who drive you crazy because it takes them at least 15 minutes to decide what to order off the menu. Well, why not take them to a really fun place with great food where there is NO MENU! There are no appetizers, and your entrée choices are only a juicy 10-ounce burger, a whole 1-1/2 pound lobster (grilled or steamed) or a lobster roll; all come with delicious skinny-cut fries, and a salad. Well, the whole lobsters also come with melted butter on the side if you want me to be totally exactly. There are only two desserts but they will be changing ever two or three months. A super-reasonable 20 bucks gets you each items and desserts are only about six dollars extra! The wait staff is lucky that they do not have to handle menus or customers with too many questions, and there are no reservations accepted.

Vermilion: Bringing The Best Of Indian And Latin American Cuisines Together In Midtown East!

By: Anne M. Raso

There's no question that there is an infinite amount of fusion eateries all over Manhattan, but few create such a heavenly blend as Vermilion (on the northwest corner of 46th and Lexington) does with Indian and Latin America cuisine. I have to be honest and say that chef/owner Rohini Dey leans a little heavier on Indian, but the results are always magical. How did she decide on creating a restaurant with this seemingly odd cuisine fusion? She says that her decision was based on history: "The Indian-Latin concept of Vermilion is also based on deep historical cross-flows and culinary influences of the Persians, Moors, Spanish, Portuguese, and waves of direct migration. Vermilion’s melding draws heavily from the tropical and geographical overlap of ingredients, herbs and spices across India, Spain & Latin America -- such as coconut, tamarind, mango, lychee, papaya, beans, rice, guava, plantain, cilantro, lime, corn, rice, beans and chickpeas, saffron -- all utilized extensively in both cuisines."

Interior

Ritzin' It Up In Ft. Lauderdale at Via Luna!

By: Anne M. Raso

Via Luna is a divine modern Italian eatery in the lobby of the sleek but opulent Ritz Carlton in Ft. Lauderdale. Centrally located right along the hottest beach area, diner have the option of eating inside and enjoying the high ceilings and intimate lighting or dining al fresco on the deck of the hotel which is only about fifty to sixty feet from the Atlantic shore line. I had managed to escape the ice cold NYC weather by extending the holiday week between Christmas and New Years--and I wanted to take advantage of the 80 degree weather the best I could--so of course I took an outside table.

MMMMM Good at The Milton NYC

By: Finance Foodie

Even though it's been cozy (layers of) sweaters weather for the past few months in NYC, the Mister and I still make an effort to make it out of the apartment once in a while - after all, being cooped up all day in a small space can drive one quite mad!  What was our reason for braving the wind chill this past weekend? A dinner at The Milton NYC, a new Upper East Side bar and restaurant specializing in fusion of American, British and Irish cuisine.

Interior

La Loteria: A New Modern Mexican Eatery Takes Over The West Village!

By: Anne M. Raso

I was lucky enough to be able to attend the wonderful grand opening party for La Loteria as well as eat there as a “civilian” and as a food blogger. There are Modern Mexican eateries popping up all over the city like sidewalk cracks, but La Loteria is exceptional. They use local produce (with the exception of their avocados which come from Mexico) and prime meats and co-owner cousins/executive chefs Julieta Ballesteros and Jaime Herrera aren’t afraid to climb out on a limb and create interesting fusion dishes.

Interior

Valentine's Day Countdown: The Top Five Types of Quick 'N Easy Gift Solutions!

By: Anne M. Raso and Finance Foodie

OK, V-Day is coming up fast and you might be at a loss about what you can get your significant other in a timely fashion that they will really love! So here we go--something for every budget and I admit that I picked out a few extra things for the ladies!

~*~*~*~*~

The Redeye Grill: Great Steaks, Service And Sensational Sweets!

By: Anne M. Raso

My recent trip to Redeye Grill, the long-standing and chic eatery at the corner of 56th and Seventh, only proved the old staying that “some things, like fine wine, get better with age.” I have been here about six times in the past 15-20 years, starting with a press luncheon for P. Diddy given by Universal Music back when the record companies still had money to burn and digital downloads hadn’t taken over yet. The décor is a mélange of different looks—I would say it’s a classic New York Steakhouse meets Soho Loft Living with a touch of Old Hollywood added in for good measure. There are high ceilings with massive saloon style chandeliers and what seems to be enough seating for about 200 guests, plus private dining rooms. You see a lot of people celebrating milestone events in their lives here, so it’s a “special place” where the prices are not cheap—but you get quality AND quantity.

Interior

Hurry to Haru: Seasonal Specials from Savory to Sweet

By: Finance Foodie

During this past long weekend, the Mister and I decided to explore the Theater area dining scene before seeing a show on Broadway. We were both in the mood for something Asian, so we decided to go to Haru's Midtown West location. I remember ordering delivery (often) from Haru on Seamless back in my investment banking days, so I figured I'd pay a visit to the restaurant that I accumulated so many takeout boxes and bags during those long work nights.

Interior

Online Bingo Communities

Brought to you by New Look Bingo

Bingo was initially played in social gatherings, at churches and other such places either to raise funds or was played as a completely recreational event. Then came casinos and then came online bingo. The charm of the game right from the beginning has been the fact that people could meet over a hot cup of coffee and have more to do with their time there than just talk to one another.

Tasting The Tradition Of Italy—And Getting A Lesson On Authenticity, Freshness And Where The “Classics” Are Created!

By: Anne M. Raso

Being a fan of authentic Italian cuisine, especially fine cheeses and gourmet “salumi” like prosciutto, mortadella and Cotechino Modena, I was very happy to recently attend “Tasting The Tradition Of Italy” event given by The Italian Trade Agency and the Italian Association Of Geographic Indication Consortia at the Osteria Del Principe. Italian cuisine has become so widespread in the USA's foodie culture for the past 75-90 years—and it is arguably the most popular type of foreign cuisine that we have--yet there’s still so much to learn about quality and authenticity of the products Italy has to offer. Guest speakers were Pier Maria Saccani from AICIG, Mary E. Barham of the American Product Of Origin Research Foundation.

Pecorino Romano and Pecorino Toscana Cheeses

The Angus Club Steakhouse: A Prime Choice For Great Aged, Grass-fed Beef!

By: Anne M. Raso

To be straight and to the point, I adored my recent (and first time) visit to the Angus Club Steakhouse. Their supplier of meat is Master Purveyors (masterpurveyors.com), whom also supply such other wonderful New York steakhouses including Bobby Van's Grill, which I declared a year ago to have the best and biggest filet mignon in NYC. Well, when I bit into my filet at Angus Club Steakhouse, the aged, grass-fed meat (done medium rare) was so delicious and "buttery," that I swear I died and went to some sort of beef heaven!

Interior