Tag Archives: restaurant reviews

Corner Shop Cafe

20 May

At a recent food event at Albert Hall Tavern, we had the good fortune of meeting the couple behindIf You Can Make That You Can Make This.  We decided to get together to try another new restaurant in the West Village, Corner Shop Cafe, on Broadway and Bleecker.

It was well decorated in an appealing and different way.

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I especially enjoyed the tin ceilings.

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First order was a cuban sandwich.

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It was good, but nothing special.

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We ordered the brussels sprouts, which sounded similar to our favorite preparation method, however, these were very dissapointing.  A little too oily, a little undercooked, a little low in flavor.

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There was also an order of grilled salmon nicoise with a poached egg.  I’m not a salmon fan, unless it’s in the form of lox, but I was told this was also just average.

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We also ordered the mac and cheese which was truffled with peas and prosciutto.  We also found this to be just average.

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Overall, I think the word “average” completely sums it up.  Great location.  Great look and feel.  Great idea.  Average execution.

Total Nom Points: 5.5 out of 10

Total Nom Points: 5.5 out of 10

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Ayza Wine and Chocolate Bar

11 May

As far as putting two words I love in the same sentence, “chocolate” and “wine” would top the list.  Ayza opened a few years ago midtown (on 31st Street between Broadway and 5th Ave), and I have been meaning to try it.  They have embraced social media by featuring a free glass of wine for new Facebook likers and to their loyal Facebook fans, making sure another one of my favorite words, “free” would bring me in.

I was joined by a friend who truly loves and appreciates wine (while I love wine, I know a whole lot more about chocolate).  It was winter and too cold to sit outside, though they do have a little patio in front that looked lovely.

We started off with a cheese and charcuterie platter.  It was served with fresh berries, guava paste, caper berries, and toasted bread.  It was good, but nothing too special.

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We also ordered the Goat Cheese Brulee salad.  I may have to say that this is one of the BEST salads I have ever eaten.  It came with mixed field greens, toasted walnuts, marinated beets, and truffle walnut sherry vinaigrette.  The little circles of goat cheese were crisped like creme brulee which added the most impressive crunch to it.  I love love love love loved this.  I don’t think my dining companion was as impressed, but I would go back for this salad in a heartbeat.

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I would say “they had me at hello” but having chocolate covered strawberries on the menu just put this off the charts for me.  They were perfectly juicy with really good quality chocolate.

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We had a few glass of wine (all of which were decent, but nothing sensational), and then decided to end with some fun drinks.  I chose the “Love Affair” with Muscat and Orange Juice.  It was quite a lovely combination.

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My friend tried the chocolate martini.  I hate vodka, so I typically never order these, but this one was absolutely sensational.

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I really enjoyed our sampler meal at Ayza, and I look forward to being back and trying more.  That goat cheese creme brulee salad and chocolate martini are calling my name!

Total Nom Points: 7.5 out of 10

Total Nom Points: 7.5 out of 10

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Eataly: Il Crudo

6 May

I finally got the chance to actually eat at Eataly with a friend recently.

I really liked the fresh farmer’s stand at the entrance.  Everything just looked great.  Made me want to go home and cook!

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We mulled around a bit and looked for a place to sit down so we could have a bite and a glass of wine.

We saw some open seats at the bar in front of Il Crudo (which is the side bar to Il Pesce) and decided to give it a whirl.

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Crudo usually isn’t something I’d seek out.  I like fish and a I like sushi, but isn’t crudo just glorified sashimi?

We ordered a sampler of 3 from their specials menu.

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And NOW I see what all the fuss is about.  Each one was better than the next, with fantastic, full flavors that didn’t overpower the fish.  They complimented each other incredibly well. These were 3 very enjoyable bites.

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We also ordered a meat and cheese board to make it a meal.  Each selection was packed with flavor, meat and cheese alike.

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And it came with a perfect pairing of honey and dried fruits.  Yum!

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Overall, I was very impressed with all the nibbles we had here.  It really convinced me that I need to go back and really dine here, as I was so impressed by the simple freshness and care to preparation.  Very good!  Can’t wait to return.

Total Nom Points: 8 out of 10


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