First Shake Shack of the year. Also, best hangover food ever.
Eataly, Flatiron District
There were two things keeping me away from Mario Batali’s 50,000 square foot Italian food hall, which opened at the end of summer: 1.) crowds and 2.) gimmick. But a couple weeks ago I braved it all (and on a Friday nite!) and finally experienced Eataly.
And unfortunately, like I assumed, I wasn’t too impressed with my dinner at the Pizza/Pasta bar (restaurants are broken down by food type: Fish, Meat, Vegetables, Pizza/Pasta, Wine/Charcuterie, and a more formal restaurant which is the only one that takes reservations). Portions were small and overpriced, and the place was hectic (securing a table on Friday nite at 8:30 was going to take an hour and a half, but counter seats came up in 20 minutes). It felt like eating in a brightly-lit, noisy mall, and when you’re constantly surrounded by people in this crazy city, why would you want that?
The food was tasty, but nothing special in my opinion, and not worth a wait or $16 for one average-sized square of lasagna with no sides. The best thing I ate was the pumpkin and butternut squash lasagna (second to top). The pesto lasagna was meh, the pizza, which go for around $15/six-slice pie, was good but not unique.
Click through to see what I did like about Eataly.
Bar Breton, Flatiron District
I’ve been curious about Bar Breton, a little French bistro that opened about two years ago. The spot is so unassuming, you would never guess a Michelin star chef is behind it.
The house specialty is the galette, savory crepes in various forms. When mine came out it was so not what I was expecting, but it was absolutely delicious. And affordable, to boot!
House Smoked Salmon Galette: buckwheat gluten-free crepe, horseradish creme, shallots, chives, radish
Arugula Salad: mushrooms, lemon vinaigrette, shaved parmesan
Obligatory first day above 60 degrees Shake Shack outing!
Coffee and Donuts is the custard of the month on Thursdays. Don’t miss it!
Shake Shack, Madison Square Park
You know one thing all that rain was good for last month? Short lines at Shake Shack. After years of wanting to go, I finally made it on a slightly drizzly night a few weeks back.
I sprang for the fried portobello burger, mostly thanks to this post. Seemed innocent enough, until I took one bite and there was a flavor explosion!
An explosion of muenster and cheddar cheese, that is, which came oozing out of the shroom. Nirvana!
To accompany this delicious morsel, I had krinkle fries…
and coffee and donuts frozen custard. There were literally little pieces of donuts in the custard. I died! Unfortunately, it was a flavor of the month in June, but if we all write in, maybe they’ll bring it back for August.
Everyone agreed, thumbs up all around for Shake Shack!
Last weekend I finally had a pretzel croissant from The City Bakery. Half croissant (warm and flaky on the inside) and half pretzel (crunchy, salty outside), it’s something of a New York institution. And it is amazing. Wish I worked or lived in Union Square so I could enjoy this tasty treat every day.
