Entries Tagged 'Inexpensive' ↓
July 7th, 2008 — Casual, Inexpensive, restaurant reviews
Lima’s Taste
Location/Phone: 122 Christopher Street at Bedford, NYC
212-242-0010
Web Site: www.limastaste.com
Chef/Owner: Nelly Godfrey
Cuisine: Home Style Peruvian
Price Range: Appetizers $9-17 Entrees $17-$26
Signature Dishes: Fish Escaveche- pan seared salmon or snapper finished with a vinegar & panca pepper sauce, topped with crispy sweet onions and served with fresh steamed yucca
Peruvian Ceviche-Fresh fish and seafood cooked in the juices of lemons & limes and seasoned.
Causa-A seasoned potato ball stuffed with avocado and choice of chicken, vegetables, or shrimp
Cow Heart Anticuchi- Tender cow hearts skewered and simply grilled with crispy potatoes and hot green sauce
Lomo Saltado- sautéed fillet mignon medallions, fresh tomatoes, sweet onions & french fries
The Space: Conquest Period inspired Peruvian décor welcomes guests into the cozy dining room with brightly colored walls and high backed wooden chairs. The charm of Lima is captured in the rustic setting and is complimented by the soft lighting.
Seating: 55 seats
Hours: Lunch/dinner: 12-12 everyday
Credit Cards: All
Reservations: Recommended
Wheelchair Access: One step up.
Opened seven days a week for lunch and dinner from 12pm until 12am.
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By Nancy Walman
In a city where haute cuisine and celebrity chefs are the vogue, stepping into a restaurant that emulates mom’s kitchen is a rarity. Finding that kitchen filled with authentic Peruvian dishes is like accidentally stumbling upon Machu Picchu. Lima’s Taste (122 Christopher Street, located in the heart of the West Village is that exceptional find, showcasing a menu boasting traditional, homemade Peruvian plates that are straight from the hearths of a kitchen in Lima. Thanks to the inspiration of Nelly Godfrey, chef and owner of the home style restaurant, New York has been graced with the most authentic home cooked Peruvian fare this side of the equator!
Once an East Village favorite, this rustic restaurant opened its doors to the Westside with a new local. The seductively lit eatery beckons passersby with aromas of simmering huancaina (a spicy, creamy red sauce), Peruvian spices and grilled meats. Inside the atmosphere is lively and inviting. The dining room is fashioned in dark woods, brightly colored walls, comfortable high back chairs, candles and a sprinkle of saints.
Many of Nelly’s recipes were passed down from her Grandmother (As a child, Nelly spent countless hours in her Grandmother’s kitchen).
Lima’s Taste offers an abundant selection of 
Ceviche: Fresh fish and seafood that is cooked through absorbing the juices of lemons, limes, and spices. Ceviche is naturally low in fat and calories, but full of omega 3’s making it one of the healthiest foods and a summertime favorite. Not to be missed is the Escaveche, a provocative fish plate seasoned with panca peppers, vinegar and garlic surrounded by yucca and onions. The Inca once used this dish medicinally to cure respiratory ailments.
For the adventurous, Anticucho: skewered chunks of grilled cow heart (an amazingly tender and beautiful piece of meat comparable with filet mignon). Lomo Saltado, a Peruvian classic of stir-fried filet mignon, fresh tomatoes, onions and spices is not only a signature dish on the menu, but one of the best renditions in the city! The cuisine and warm atmosphere are accented by an array of fun specialty cocktails and variations on the Peruvian favorite, Pisco Sour including the violet Pisco Chicha Morada, a refreshing blend of Pisco, purple corn, apples, pineapples and cinnamon.
For an afternoon away from the office or just a break in the day, Lima’s Taste offers free Wifi and an array of homemade sweets. Lima’s Taste showcases true Peruvian fare with an authentic rendering of the classic dishes found in any kitchen in Lima and rates B Major.
Delicious Ribs (Above)
Copyright 2008 By Punchin International. All Rights Reserved.
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April 26th, 2008 — Asian, Excellent, Indian, Inexpensive, restaurant reviews
Indo Munch
By Nancy Walman
Location/Phone/Web Site: Indo Munch
182 Lexington Avenue
New York, NY 10016
212-545-0010
www.indomunch.com
Date Established: October, 2007
Press Contact: http://whodoespr.com
Owners: Dinu and Mumtaz Mulloli
Cuisine: Indian Chinese
Price Range: Lunch: $10- $13 (Served w/ rice & soup)
Dinner: Apps $4-$7, Entrees $8-$14, Desserts $3-$7
Hours: Dinner 5:30 – 10:30 (Mon.-Thurs., Sun.); 5:30 – 11:00 (Fri. & Sat.);
Lunch 12:00 – 3:00 (Mon.-Fri.) 12:00-3:30 (Sat. & Sun.)
Credit Cards: All major credit cards accepted.
Reservations: Recommended.
Wheelchair Access: Restaurant and bathrooms wheelchair accessible.
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Where Colliding Cultures Erupt in Devastatingly Delicious Dishes
The oddly named Indo Munch is a small, genteel restaurant whose food contrasts with big, bold flavors. When cultures collide, exchanges often occur. When it happens with food, the results can spawn a new culinary genre that is exceptional. The newest craze in ethnic eateries to hit Manhattan is Indian Chinese and is being led by Indo Munch.This unique coupling is not a pairing of the two cuisines on one menu that features both Chinese and Indian cooking, but rather a blending of the two ethnic flavors in exciting savory dishes. Although popular in Indian and throughout Southeast Asia, this culinary expression has only recently made its way into mainstream New York dining, thanks to Indo Munch, where the unique gastronomic experience is quickly become a sought after favorite.
The comfortable and inviting space is reflective of the unique cuisine and incorporates Indian style with splashes of Chinese influence. The amber room is accented by bold reds and showcases gold images of Indian and Chinese deities. Sleek espresso chairs pull the look to a chic New York style. Here is the “New Style” Mom/Pop operation, manned by the young, attractive Dinu and Mumtaz Mulloli.
Indo Munch showcases this exceptional cooking of Chef Wong Chen with Chinese style dishes that are seasoned with traditional Indian spices such as cumin, coriander and turmeric, in addition to classic Indian Chinese plates such as Gobi Manchurian (fried cauliflower fritters in a spicy ginger onion sauce) and Szechuan Lamb ( a crispy lamb slow cooked in a flavorful Szechuan sauce). Other “must haves” in the appetizer department include the dynamite (and we mean dynamite) Chicken 65, with Curry Leaves and Red Chilies; Lollipop Chicken in a soothing mayonnaise-based fruit sauce, and Crunchy Okra with Smoky Chili Powder.
Entrees can be requested on the dry-side or more heavily sauced. We suggest letting the staff create a mix. Besides the superb Szechuan Lamb, check out the assertive Chili Chicken, the remarkable Sliced Tilapia in Garlic Sauce (Indo Munch offers the best seafood we’ve ever tasted in a New York Indian restaurant); Sweet and Sour Prawns that elevate this “everywhere” Chinese dish to star status, the delicious Vegetable Ball Manchurian and the best non-greasy Szechuan Fried Rice (go for the chicken, vegetables, eggs and shrimp) you’ll ever taste. Almost as wonderful is zesty Shrimp Noodles. Even desserts are memorable: Crispy Date cake or Cheese Cake with soft, creamy ice cream will make you smile.
Although the menu is reminiscent of traditional Chinese cuisine, Indo Munch incorporates non-Chinese vegetables and Indian spices into the classic dishes but omits beef and pork choices; remaining true to the Indian respect of Muslim and Hindu dietary restrictions. The is a short, inexpensive list of wine and beer. Our theory holds: Anything with bubbles works best.
The concept may seem daunting, but the helpful and knowledgeable staff is eager to provide a detailed history of the food and guide patrons through the exotic menu items. The unique blend is said to have emerged when Chinese settled in Calcutta, bringing new seasonings and cooking styles to the region. India has enjoyed the robust flavors of Indian Chinese food for centuries and now New York can revel in the delightful authentic concoctions that Indo Munch brings to the table.
Delivery service is available for those who crave the robust flavorful cuisine, but would rather enjoy their meal at home. Fortunately for New Yorkers, Indo Munch brings us the Best Of Both Worlds and rates ” A Major” on The Walman Report.
Copyright 2008 By Punchin International. All Rights Reserved
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August 19th, 2007 — Inexpensive, Very Good, restaurant reviews
CRAVE CEVICHE BAR
A Fresh Take on Ceviche comes to life at Crave Ceviche Bar, where Executive Chef Todd Mitgang introduces a vibrant, playful menu based entirely on ceviche. Inspired by sushi, tapas and noodle bars, Crave breaks the mold, offering such luscious choices as Traditional Shrimp Ceviche with Charred Corn and Hearts of Palm and Calamari Salad with Shanghai Shoots. Sandwich offerings range from the Maine Lobster Roll, with Fresh Avocado Mayo and Brown Butter to the Yellow Fin Tuna BLT with Pancetta, Heirloom Tomatoes and Basil Aioli. True seafood fans will gravitate towards dishes such as Artic Char with Truffles, Strawberries and Caviar and Caper Crusted Wild King Salmon with Oyster Mushrooms and Chorizo. Beer is served with lime juice, salt and Tabasco and there is terrific, fruity sangria.
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August 5th, 2007 — Beer, Casual, Good, Inexpensive
ZIPPER FACTORY
Location/Phones: 336 W 37th at 9th Avenue NYC
THE ZIPPER THEATER 212.563.0485
ZIPPER FACTORY TAVERN & BALCONY BAR (212) 695-4600
Date Established: 3/2007
Concept: Zipper Factory is an converted factory housing a theater, tavern and bars. It is located at the edge of New York City’s Garment District and the intersection of one of its oldest ethnic food shopping strips, 9th Avenue.
The Space: Theater: 200 seats; Tavern: 80 seats; Balcony Bar-50 seats; outdoor bar-25 seats.
Cuisine: 9th Avenue Butcher Shop inspired Gastropub with a focus on charcrouterie.
Chef: Larry Kolar
Price Range: $25 and under
Signature Dishes: Home made sausages, kielbasas, salumi and condiments; pastas; meat balls.
Beverage Program: Focus on beers and whiskeys
Hours: Lunch, Pre-theater, Dinner, Late Night
Policies: Credit Cards: Visa, MasterCard and Amex.
Reservations: Recommended.
Wheelchair accessible
Zipper Theater and Zipper Factory Tavern & Balcony Bar
Award-winning website & blog, Punchin-dot-com, features the Walman Report and reviews of restaurants, travel, wine and theater. The building is an old zipper factory on the edge of the garment district. Home to The Zipper Theater and Zipper Factory Tavern & Balcony Bar.
Zipper Factory is inspired by London’s growing trend to mix pub culture with playhouse art. There are 3 bars, fabulous food by New York’s most versatile chef, chef Larry Kola, and history is recaptured through his home made charcuterie: sausages, kielbasas, salumi, meats, pastas & burgers.
Homey entrees include superlative roast chicken, home made kraut (the best I’ve ever tasted), potato chips that are to die for, AND the town’s best dessert: A Beer-Based-Frozen-Fudgesicle. With its really bellow-the-belt bar, great beer & wine list & late night menus, Zipper Factory Tavern & Balcony Bar, 336 W. 37th St., at 9th Avenue, is open from happy hour to pre-theater, through theater and into late night & is one of NY’s most unique restaurants.
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July 17th, 2007 — Flatiron District, Inexpensive
BOROUGH FOOD & DRINKS
Location 12 East 22nd St.
New York, NY 10014
Phone Number 212-260-0103
Web Site www.chinagrillmgt.com
Cuisine Artisanal Marketplace
Owner Jeffrey Chodorow, China Grill Management
Consulting Chef Zak Pelaccio
Executive Chef Paul Williams
Designer Mark Zeff
Seating Capacity 164 Indoors & 28 Outdoors
Dining Room/Bar Hours Borough Food & Drink is open seven days a week
Dinner: Monday – Wednesday: 5:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Thursday – Saturday: 5:00 pm – 12:00 am,
Sunday: 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Lunch and Sunday Brunch: coming soon
Price Range Appetizers — $9 – $17
Entrees — $11 – $22
Dessert — $6 – $9
Credit Cards Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, Diner’s Club
Reservations Call-ahead reservations accepted and reservations for groups of five or more
Bf&d, located at 12 East 22nd Street between Park Avenue South and Broadway, is open for lunch (coming soon) from 11:30 am – 3:30 pm and dinner from 5:00 pm – 11:00 pm (Mon – Wed) and 12 a.m. (Thurs – Sat) seven-days-a-week. Please call 212-260-0103 for convenient, same-day "call ahead reservations," as well as standard reservations for parties of five or more. Complimentary Wi-fi service available on premises. Eat, drink and be merry!
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