Archive for March, 2010

Pesach 5770/2010 – Comprehensive Restaurant Guide

Thursday, March 25th, 2010

Koshertopia’s Pesach guide is available for download

CLICK HERE for the only comprehensive guide available for Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and Teaneck.

Wishing you a Happy & Healthy Passover,
The Koshertopia Team





NY Lunchbox Opening Second Location

Monday, March 22nd, 2010

Koshertopia has confirmed that NY Lunchbox is opening a new location at 844 Second Avenue (corner of 45th St.). The new location which is set to open straight after Pesach will mimic the original location with the same menu – good tasting, quick and healthy fare. The new location will be Cholov Yisrael under the supervision of the OK.





My Most Favorite Moving

Monday, March 22nd, 2010

Koshertopia has confirmed that the new Upper West Side location of the My Most Favorite Restaurant is set to open this coming Thursday, March 25th. The location at 247 West 72nd Street will replace the original restaurant on 45th Street which is set to close it doors permanently at the end of the month.





Pesach 5770 – Comprehensive New York Guide

Monday, March 22nd, 2010

COMING THIS WEEK!

Koshertopia is currently preparing our renown comprehensive Pesach Kosher-Guide for 5770. The guide will include a full listing of restaurants and take-out facilities that are open for Pesach across the tri-state area.

If you would like to be featured or for advertising opportunities email pesach@koshertopia.com





NOIDUE: Poco Ma Buono

Tuesday, March 16th, 2010

I couldn’t wait to eat at the Italian restaurant Noidue, (as everyone seemed to be raving about it, but I had to SEE the place for myself) and once I did, I have been back several times. The entrance is a bit misleading, as you have to walk down some stairs to gain access to the door. Noidue is still a fairly new establishment, so I’m ok with the fact that their sign is still a hanging banner. Once inside you clearly feel like you are in a unique underground space. Small arches with interspersed bricks and wooden planks line the ceiling towards the back wall. A gorgeous stone back wall with a wood burning oven is the focal point of the restaurant. The remaining walls are painted a soft lime green.

Noi Due

Noi Due

However, paying attention to the details when you first walk in the door, a decadent dessert cabinet catches your eye! The coffee bar takes up a large space on the right side of the restaurant and it’s wrapped in brick and wood. You are able to stop in and order an espresso drink, without having to sit down. While waiting for our table we were served a lemon spice tea. I thought that was such a nice touch to the ambiance and spoke volumes about the hospitality, since we had not been seated yet.

I happened to be there for dinner and noticed dim lighting, with candles lit on each table. There are mostly tables for two, but they are flexible to move tables together for larger parties. I really liked the lamps that extended from the ceilings. They seemed to be handpicked from the artist themselves. I instantly imagined myself taking over a table in the middle of the day here with my laptop. Seemed like it would be a nice place to just order coffee and get some work done. The restaurant is always full at night (not sure what type of patronage frequents during the day).

Being the graphic designer that I am, I was impressed with the layout of the menu and the logo of the restaurant. By the way, Noidue means (two of us) and Poco Ma Buono (means a little bit good) – I asked the waiter since they wear black t-shirts with the name and logo screen printed on them. The pictures on the back wall are of Italian scenes, but could also resemble Tzfat, which I thought was very interesting.

The wait staff is extremely friendly and may I add good looking. Their eagerness to please each patron adds a positive element to the ambiance of this restaurant. There is a definite buzz to this place, as it is usually full and everyone is chatting away at their tables. I usually don’t talk about the food, but there is no question how good everything tastes and is presented. My brother (a hospitality management major) accompanied me on one of my most recent meals and noted how impressed he was with this restaurant. Enough said.

 

Click Here for the NoiDue listing





Not Exactly Deluxe

Sunday, March 14th, 2010

On a picture-perfect day, it was an absolute must that I eat lunch outside somewhere. I started brainstorming ideas of where I could pick up a quick meal. I walk passed Kosher Deluxe on my commute to/from work, and decided this was the perfect chance to try it.

Although they looked very good, I was in the mood to try something other falafel or shawarma, so I continued on to the back of the restaurant to check out the rest of the selections. There were hundreds of items on the menu board behind the registers including Chinese, deli sandwiches, soups, and even desserts.


I decided to try the Marinara Schnitzel, which was homemade chicken fingers served on a baguette with lettuce, tomato, and marinara sauce. The sandwich was served with a pickle and a small side of coleslaw.

I got to Bryant Park, found a table, and was eager to give this sandwich a try, only to be pretty disappointed. The sandwich had only a few small chicken fingers on it. Slightly redeeming, the chicken itself was tender and tasty. What was lacking any taste at all was the marinara sauce. It was watery and bland, and turned the baguette completely soggy in a matter of minutes. A pickle wedge and a small container of coleslaw were included as well.

The interior of Kosher Deluxe is not so appealing with bright florescent lights and dingy, old floors. So, I definitely recommend getting takeout or having your food delivered.

On a day like today, the seating area was mostly empty, but there was still a big crowd at the registers, and I can see why. It’s quick, it’s reasonably priced, and it has a wide variety of cuisines. Maybe the regulars know what is safe to order and what to pass on. I mentioned my trip to Kosher Deluxe to a few friends after I got back, and they spoke highly of the front counter that serves falafel and shawarma with large salad bar, and also of their Chinese dishes. I think a return trip is in order to give this restaurant another chance at truly living up to its name.





Add One More to the List

Thursday, March 11th, 2010

In what must be Kosher Indian month, Koshertopia has confirmed that BHOJAN at 102 Lexington Ave is now kosher certified under Rabbi Israel Mayer Steinberg. Bhojan is a vegetarian restaurant serving fresh , healthy and satisfying meals. They highlight dishes from the North and West of India.

Click here for the Bhojan listing





Solo Update

Thursday, March 11th, 2010

Koshertopia has confirmed that Solo will re-open on Monday, March 15th. Closed for over two weeks by the Building Department after glass fell from the roof of the Sony atrium (which houses Solo) during a Purim party on Saturday night.





Prime KO Update

Thursday, March 11th, 2010

Prime Grill’s newest location, Prime KO is rumored to have a soft opening before Pesach. The new restaurant at 217 West 85th Street is currently in the final stages of renovation. Koshertopia staff was taken on an exclusive tour and is impressed with the space. This latest high-end restaurant is certainly going to be well received. Official opening is set for after Pesach.





Solo Closed Until Monday

Thursday, March 4th, 2010

The Sony Plaza which contains Solo Restaurant has been closed due to glass falling from the roof of the Sony atrium during a Purim party on Saturday night. Sony has been fined $25,000 by the Department of Buildings. Repairs are underway and management has informed Koshertopia that the restaurant hopes to re-open on Monday.