#whatkellyeats
BARE BURGERS
Their menus were pretty thorough in explaining how they were all "organic + grassfed", but the overall experience of trying to order "a burger" was confusing and took a while. There were too many to choose from! Perfect for coming with groups of people. There's also a bar (I went to the one in Chelsea).
Recommendations:
"Peanut butter & Vanilla Barshake." Must. Then some "Supreme Burger" (beef): juicy, stuffed with Colbyjack cheese, french fries, onion ring, bacon, lettuce... although one thing I didn't like about the burger was the onion ring, it was too dry and salty. Oh and don't forget the "French Fries"! It comes with three sauces I can't quite recall their names... but they are super delicious! My friends and I couldn't stop eating them even after we finished our burgers and shakes.
HI - COLLAR
A very cozy and cute place in L.E.S. Maybe, a bit toooo cozy... (barely any walking room or waiting if it's a full-house). Anyways, although the place might be a bit too small and narrow, the overall place is calm, quiet, and its decor/interior is really pretty. They have a long table-bar across the whole restaurant. It's a good spot for catching up with a friend over coffee or even going alone to catch up on your reading (when it's not so busy).
Recommendations:
Coffee is so good here, try any of them, especially the "Tokyo Blend Pour Over" and the "Cold Brew Mizudashi Iced Coffee." The "Hot Cakes" was so lovely too! A Japanese spin on pancakes with fruits and gelato on the side, and yes, definitely to get all of them together. My friend enjoyed the "Pork Katsu Sandwich" then she ended her meal with some "Chocolate Parfait."
SOJUHAUS
This is one of my "go-to" drink places in K-town! They opened up few months ago, and I knew it was going to be super popular! It has been getting super busy and super loud at night these days. The service here is great though and it's pretty spacious to drink and eat with your friends.
Recommendation:
If you would like to try some dank Korean Stew (탕) ... You have to try the "Mild Seafood Stew with Nurungji" (해물누룽지탕). It's heavenly. Especially if it's cold and you need something to warm and fill you up. As for drinks, if it's your first time trying Soju, try "Chum Churum" (처음처럼) and if you want some Korean Wine, try the "Black Raspberry Wine" (복분자). Lastly, if you want something sweet, milky, and sake-like try the "Rice Wines" (막걸리).
ONE IF BY LAND, TWO IF BY SEA
Let me just say, this is one of the most romantic place I have ever been to in New York. I have heard about it for the great food, which was the reason why I have finally made my visit here, but really - gentlemen, if you want to impress your ladies (vice versa), take them here! The decor and interior is vintage while the ambience and atmosphere are wonderful. There is also a saxophonist and a pianist that performs... it's a beautiful sight.
Recommendations:
I tried the 3 course Prix-Fixe and chose "Seared Diver Scallops" as the appetizer, "Beef Wellington" as the entrée, the "Profiteroles" as the dessert. My cousin tried the Bone "Marrow Agnolotti" as the appetizer, "Butter Poached Lobster" as the entrée and "Gingerbread" as the dessert. We both enjoyed every part of the meal. Really. These pictures below do not do justice because the lighting was pretty dim. My favorite though was the "Seared Diver Scallops" and the "Chef's Soup" before the prix-fixe meal. As for the cocktail order the "French Assistance."
SCARPETTA
Chose this place especially for my friend's birthday because she was craving some Italian dishes. As nice as the place was in decor/interior and a super friendly waitress, I was just a smidge disappointed. For the price you pay, the meal was just good (all three of us felt the same way).
Recommendations:
A must is the dessert! The "Warm Banana Bread" was so delicious that the birthday girl wanted another plate. My friend got the "Gnocchetti" and I got the "Duck & Foie Gras Ravioli" (heard this was one of their specialties) and we both liked it. I want to come back and try some other dishes.
PARM
A cute little Italian place in Soho.
Recommendations:
Both the "Chicken Parm Roll" and the "Meatball Hero" was just a bit soggy, though it was because of the sauce, they were still delicious. And the "Zeppoles!" The raspberry and chocolate ones were amazing. It's just fried-sugar-goodness in a ball. The "South Hampton Pilsner Beer" went perfect with the roll.
