August 11, 2015

Burrata Ice Cream

Dominique Ansel is famous for his cronuts, but this summer his burrata ice cream is the thing that has captured my heart. Here are the two current flavours available (in soft serve) at Dominique Ansel Kitchen.

I was so excited to try this that I had planned it all out. I intended on eating it slow and lovingly but since it's soft serve and the summertime, I needed to lick fast. And even as it melts through your hands and onto whatever you're wearing, it's still worth it. It really f-ing tastes like burrata. What the hell? Amazing. Such a good day. I even met the man himself!

He was nice as hell and he's a genius. If you find yourself in the West Village, you gotta try this soft serve.

March 23, 2015

The Best Burrata I've Ever Had

by Liz Heather in Best of NYC, Food

Di Palo's is an Italian specialty foods store located just east of Soho and Little Italy in NYC. And if you've ever been overly (or even slightly) into meats and/or cheeses, this is the only place in this city that you have to visit.

I'm kind of thankful that I only discovered this place recently since, well, I have gluttonous tendencies at times. I've tried a few of their cheeses (if you've got a nice face, they'll offer you samples of whatever they're slicing for other customers) and they're insane tasting. And the pepperoni? My god.

But the biggest winner here? Their burrata. It's better than any burrata I've had at any restaurant in this city. (Do you know what a big statement that is to make?)

How do they get it so creamy on the inside but so sturdy on the outside? I can only assume it's magic. And it's under $10, which is madness. If you visit me in the next few years, this will be the first stop we make together whether you like it or not.

Best cheese OF LIFE.

October 22, 2014

The BBLT at Murray's Cheese Shop

by Liz Heather in Best of NYC, Food

Before I begin, let me start by saying that you can't get this sandwich at Murray's Cheese Bar. No, no - this one is only available in their cheese shop next door. And no, that's not a typo - a BBLT is a Burrata Bacon Lettuce Tomato sandwich, you rube! And here it is.

Whenever I find myself in the West Village, it's always a hard decision for me to choose this baby or that baby to feast upon. Also, you have to keep in mind that to encounter any kind of burrata dish under $10 is a FEAT in this city.

Definitely try this if you've ever ordered a BLT anywhere in the history of the planet. The extra B really puts it over the top and makes it crazy delicious.

September 23, 2014

Astoria Bier & Cheese

by Liz Heather in Best of NYC, Food

Remember how I'm a big fan of Murray's in the city? Well, with the arrival of these (two!) locations of Astoria Bier & Cheese in (duh) Astoria, I never have to get on an E train again.

This is the burrata plate I ate.

Full disclosure: it's not as good as the burrata at The Smith, but it's still pretty memorable. Here's their BLT.

I had a bite of that one and it was really good. I'm not crazy into beer, but apparently this place is known for it. Why is it called bier and not beer? I don't know, but I'm guessing that's what makes it more expensive? Just a theory. Anyway, if you're in Astoria looking for good cheese-centric restaurants, this is the place.

Sidenote: Happy Birthday to the best there is, the kindest kindergarten teacher on this planet and my best friend in the universe. You're wicked and I love you, Harmeet.

July 15, 2014

The Smith in NYC

by Liz Heather in Best of NYC, Food, Reviews

This is my favourite restaurant in New York. They've got three locations. You should probably go to one the next time you're in town.

I used to say that their filet mignon was my favourite thing on their menu (especially if you special order the truffle cream sauce listed amongst the pasta as a dipping sauce for this steak IF YOU WANT YOUR MIND SHATTERED), but since I've somewhat moved on from my love for steak (not totally, we're just on a break), it's really hard to pick a new favourite dish here. Everything I've tried (honestly) has been incredible.

The best?

Short ribs (they only make them on Tuesdays) are so fucking luxurious and wildly unforgettable, it's a sin to be there on a Tuesday and not order them.
Burrata. If you don't know what that is... yikes. It must be hard living a burrata-less life and frankly I don't want any more details of such an existence. One time, my friend Paul and I ordered three of these back to BACK (it was a hard time, I was going through stuff). If insanity had a taste, it would be of this burrata.
Trout. Who the hell knew a fish could be this good? I didn't, and now I do.
Jalapeno cheddar grits are not just a side dish, they are a lifestyle choice, as far as I'm concerned. And I am, in no way, a fan of grits. These are unreal and beautiful and I force everyone to try them.
Don't get me started on their brunch. I DON'T EVEN LIKE BRUNCH.

I've been here so many times over the past few years, it's always a good time. See the accompanying photos, all taken at this restaurant, for further proof. Notice the level of happiness and/or fullness.

Spring 2012, Sarah in the chair downstairs outside the photo booth

There's no excuse not to eat here. It can be noisy as hell, but goddam. Worth it.