Snowdays Shavery 2-24-2015

Location: 241 E. 10th St.
Time: 1pm
People: RB, CK and myself

List:
-What do you do on another cold wintery day in NYC? Share a massive bowl of cold, creamy shaved snow cream at Snowdays in East Village! Beat the winter food cliches.
-This Taiwanese style melt-in-your-mouth dessert is still not ubiquitous in the city.
-The menu is more Americanized, but there are plenty of red beans, mochi and matcha toppings available. Whatever you do, do NOT forget to add Pocky.
-If you are Libras or Pisces or other indecisive signs, opt for their creation combos such as "Yeti Food." ($6 for small, with bananas, sugar cones and blueberry puree) You cannot go wrong with any of their choices.
-All of their shaved cream is made on premises with GMO free dairy from Hudson Valley.

The Brindle Room 02-17-2015

Location: 277 E. 10th St.
Time: 2:30pm
People: RB, CK and myself

List:

-At this gastropub, you see an interesting mixture of decadent comfort food and their famous "Sebastian's Steakhouse Burger," ($12, caramelized onions, fries, pickles) considered to be one of the best burgers in the city.
-RB thought the burger was very juicy and flavorful, and the fries were crispy and well salted.
-The portions are large. "Potato chip frittata" ($10) can easily serve up to two people.
-Many dishes are sharable and perfect for a group setting although the space is quaint, and tables are limited.
-Their house made hot sauce, PGB, is a must. (you can purchase at the restaurant!)
-Complete the meal with their heavenly chocolate hazelnut donut!

Petee's Pie 02-14-2015

Location: 61 Delancey St.
Time: 4pm
People: RB, CK and myself

List:
-Do we need another bakery in LES? YES. We need scrumptious Petee's pies on every block. Just the aroma of sweet butter when you walk in--If I was the mayor of NYC, I'd mandate to leak the smell into the subways.
-Pies here are baked from scratch with local ingredients in both sweet and savory options. The ingredients are real dairy from grass fed cows, real eggs and real produce. Real damn pies.
-Featured sweet flavors are: cherry bomb, cranberry apple, salty chocolate chess, and sour cherry.
-RB opted for a savory option, the chicken pot pie, which is succulent and very filling.
-Nice people at Petee's even offer delicious gluten-free and vegan options. There are also quiche and pastries. (They gave CK heart-shaped pie crust cookies!)
-For beverage options, they have excellent selections of Bellocq tea, Parlor Coffee and cold-pressed juices.

Kiin Thai 03-07-2015

Location: 36 E 8th St.
Time: 2pm
People: RB, CK and myself

List:
-The owners behind Somtum Der's new spot, Kiin Thai focus on home-style central and Northern Thai cooking.
- Kiin means "eat" in Thai. Indeed, lots of lots of great eating happens at this place.
-With a plenty of small dishes available, this is a perfect place for family style dining with a large group including the NYU students nearby.
-Even ubiquitous Pad Thai ($15) is better here and good for sharing. The condiments like peanuts and chiles are on the side, and the noodles packed with fresh ingredients are wrapped in an egg crepe.
-"Grandma's Grilled Pork and Sticky Rice" ($13) is like a deconstructed sticky coconut rice burger.
-No dish is Americanized here except the tap water and some beer selection. Prepare for some complex flavors.

Oda House 02-22-2015

Location: 76 Ave B
Time: 12pm
People: JLam, RB, CK and myself

List:
-At this rare Georgian spot in East Village, you can enjoy various Georgian specialties like soup dumplings, shish kebab and khachapuri, traditional cheese filled breads.
-All poultry and eggs are organic and grass fed here.
-There is a menu section devoted to khachapuri, and it is absolutely a must. Share it with your friends and enjoy the warm gooey cheesy, buttery heaven.
-Chizhi-Pizhi ($9, eggs topped with Sulguni cheese, tomatoes and bread at the bottom, oven baked) is a hearty and perfectly decadent brunch dish.
-Khinkali (hand-rolled soup dumplings, $10 for lamb) are very tender and flavorful, just be careful not to spill any of that yummy greasy juice.
-Each dish is large and great for sharing. Oda House is perfect for group dining on a cold wintry night.