For the Love of Europe

A WALK DOWN SMITH STREET

Eleni Menoutis — Sat, 20 Dec 2008 08:36:00 GMT

The word on the street is that Brooklyn is the new Manhattan. I wouldn't go quite that far, but it's definitely worthy of what I like to call it: mini Manhattan.

I am privileged to be able to go out often in the artsy Cobble Hill area of Brooklyn because my best friend Jac conveniently lives there. She's my personal guide for all of the best restaurants, bars and boutiques, especially the ones on adorable Smith Street, the heart of Cobble Hill.

Last time I was writing an article for Momondo I received free dessert. This time - even better - a shot! I was taking a picture from the doorway of Camp on 179 Smith Street, an ingenious idea for a bar where customers can order s'mores late night. They're so delicious. So Larry, the friendly bartender, caught me taking the picture and yelled, "Hey you! Come take a shot." It was a nice little pick-me-up for our long walk down Smith.

We passed our favorite sushi restaurant, Ki Sushi, where Jac and I enjoyed our fancy rolls and several sake bombs one night with the guys.

We came across the famous French bistro where Jac actually used to work. I asked her to tell me one thing Smith Street is known for as a whole, and she summed it up with Bar Tabac.

She insisted we stop to have a fabulous lychee martini inside. We sat at the vintage '60s bar with the French bartender and his attractive heavy accent. The martinis were refreshing, and the bartender sure knew how to make them well. The alcohol-soaked lychee at the bottom of the drink was the best part.

Bastille Day at Bar Tabac Photo: Warren B

We felt as though we were at a true tabac in France. I'm looking forward to experiencing Bar Tabac's live Jazz one night and its signature Bastille Day celebration.

And along the way we passed some funky and chic boutiques.

At this one it seems as though they don't believe in hangers. I guess tacking the merchandise to the wall is the hipster Brooklyn way of doing things nowadays. But definitely not at Bird on 220 Smith Street, one of Jac's favorites, where everything is meticulously hung.

One of my favorite places we passed that night was Salsa Salon. I remember passing once before and seeing the door on 259 Smith Street swung open with lively salsa dancing going on inside. Then this time we passed by, it was a quiet salon! How great is that?

Right next door to Salsa Salon is Smith Street's Stinky Bklyn! This was the night we discovered this smelly little cheese shop.

Before reaching the subway to head off to the city, we passed some more staples of Smith.

We didn't want to leave Brooklyn, but we had to catch our friend's birthday party in Midtown.

Next time I'm on Smith Street, I plan on attempting some salsa, but only after drinking a few Frozen Zombies!

THE LUXURIOUS FUTURE OF RICE PUDDING

Eleni Menoutis — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 11:01:00 GMT

Rice pudding has officially made my list of top comfort foods, along with chocolate, wine and popcorn. It's creamy, sweet, rich, simply ahhmazing.

I never thought rice pudding could get better than Kozy Shack's famous brand. Well, not until a few days ago when I stepped foot inside the raved-about Rice to Riches for the first time. Rice to Riches' rice pudding is on a whole other level - heaven.

We walked into a modern, futuristic oasis of oranges, browns, creams and whites, all part of the rice pudding color family. Giant fruits decorated the walls of the seating area, clever indulging signs hung all around, and several play on words were seen throughout: "off the eaten path" and "rice to riches," of course. The entire shop mocked the epic diet craze going on in the world. It was ironic seeing such a place exist and be successful in image-driven, skinny New York City.

I spotted the assortment of rice pudding flavors and didn't know where to start. The two girls behind the counter were generous in letting us sample almost every single one. There are seasonal rice pudding flavors for the summer, winter and holidays, and all-year-'round flavors, such as Coconut Coma, Take Me to Tiramisu, Sex Drugs and Rocky Road, and Fluent in French Toast. I chose to go simple and try a Solo size of the Cinnamon Sling with Raisins, but then topped it off with the "Spirit" topping of Oatmeal Coconut Crumble. Wow, is all I can say.

What makes the experience even better is that you eat the rice pudding out of a container shaped like a mini spaceship, with what seems like an over-sized plastic Italian ice spoon that's designed to slide perfectly into your mouth. There are even directions for eating your dessert! Step 1. Take a spoonful, Step 2. Count to four: One...Rice to Riches...Two...Rice to Riches...Three...Rice to Riches...Four...Rice to Riches...

Rice to Riches is definitely an out-of-this-world rice pudding experience. You can be more daring than I was and try the Epic, Sumo and Moby sizes that serve up to 10! And if you're too lazy to pick it up, the store offers domestic shipping to anywhere in NYC and overnight shipping to anywhere in the USA, allowing you to enjoy the perfect comfort food in the comfort of your own home.

RICE TO RICHES; 37 Spring Street, NYC

FOR THE LOVE OF CHEESE

Eleni Menoutis — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 07:00:00 GMT

Call us cheesy, but momondo has gone crazy for coagulated milk. We've given our writers the mission of uncovering 'le meilleur fromage' in Paris, 'il migliore formaggio' in Rome, the stinkiest cheeses in New York and the hands-down best cheeses in London, Madrid and Brussels. So grab yourself some bread and wine and join us on this tour of the best cheese shops in Europe.

New York

Paris and Rome may be known for their great cheese-shops, but don't fuggedabout Brooklyn, New York.

Stinky Bklyn is the name, and indeed it is stinky. At least they warn us.

It's pure temptation peering through from the outside and cheesy heaven within. The smelly store is stacked high in endless assortments of cheeses, meats and chocolate - life's greatest indulgences.

There's even a recommended wine pairing on each chunk, most helpful for customers like me who would just pair it with a cracker, or simply my mouth. And what's even greater is the entertaining "nose" factor on each cheese, rating its stinkiness.

The staff is so welcoming, maybe because they're all high on the smell of cheese. If it were any other cheese shop, I think I'd walk right out. But the clever name keeps you inside, in a way making you accept the stench.

So do all of the quirky wall messages: Shh the cheese is aging; the stink factor; and my favorite:

There's no better way to entertain than with cheese and wine. So after purchasing your cheese and meat party platter, walk right across the street to the Smith & Vine wine shop, also owned by the owners of Stinky Bklyn, and conveniently purchase the wine recommended from the wine pairing! If you thought it couldn't get better than that, it can. This fall, Stinky Bklyn, in partnership with Smith & Vine, is offering cheese classes on pairing drinks and cheese! Beer, sake, wine and cocktails with goat, sheep and cow cheese - yum.

STINKY BKLYN; 261 Smith Street; brooklyn, NY

BURGER JOINT: AS UNREFINED AS ITS NAME, YET SO APPETIZING

Eleni Menoutis — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 11:23:00 GMT

I committed the deadly sin of gluttony last night when I decided to indulge in the supposedly "best" burgers in New York for dinner at Burger Joint. All I can say is that sacrificing those calories was well worth every bite.

The overall experience added to the satisfaction. It was similar to my endeavors last week when I visited several hidden restaurants and bars, except this time, the location was concealed inside a posh hotel.

Photo by Joelogon

Jackie and I confidently walked through the busy entrance of Le Parker Meridien, as if we were hotel guests returning to our loft. But of course, when we stepped foot inside the open lobby, Burger Joint was nowhere in sight. I discretely asked the concierge where to go, and he kindly told me to follow the draping red velvet curtains to my right. We turned the corner, and there it was - the bright neon burger.

I felt as if I was in a mom and pop burger joint with New York accents mixed in.

The rules at Burger Joint are plain and simple. Customers are to walk up to the counter and quickly give their order, while surrounded by store-bought Arnold's hamburger buns, jugs of pickles, ketchup and grade A Grey Poupon, and Dracula and Wonder Woman chotchkies. If you don't know what you want, you walk to the back of the line.

Thank God it wasn't too busy because Jac and I needed time to make out the words on all of the handwritten cardboard signs: Cash Only; Step 1: hamburger or cheeseburger, Step 2: how you want it cooked, Step 3: the toppings; and a list of drinks ranging from Sam Adams to frothy milk shakes.

Photo by VirtualErn

"Burger, medium, lettuce, tomato, ketchup, fries and a brownie," I called out. I felt like a fat pro, but I needed to try everything! Jac ordered a cheeseburger with "the works" - lettuce, tomato, onions, mayo, mustard, ketchup, pickles - and a Sam Adams.

My paper-wrapped burger was in my hand in maybe 17 seconds; shortly after came my greasy brown paper bag of fries; and then I grabbed a self-serve brownie from the stacked-high brownie bin, all for a mere $13!

Luckily the turnover is nice and fast, so Jac and I were able to snatch a booth in the corner. Burgers, bag of fries, brownie and a clear plastic cup filled to the brim with Sam Adams. Who needs plates, utensils, glasses or waiters? We sure didn't. Napkins and hands are the essentials.

The burgers were so juicy, the fries crispy and thin, and the brownie so cake-like. The expressions on our faces said it all: Burger Joint serves ridiculously good burgers.

From my angle, I was able to get a view of the entire joint and really appreciate its shantiness. With country, oldies and Arab-like music playing in my ears, I scanned the hotel guests, businessmen and walk-ins off the street munching away on their chow. I was cornered by thumbtacked signs, hanging framed newspaper and magazine reviews, Sex and the City, Ratatouille and Cheech & Chong posters, and celebrity signatures ranging from Whitney Houston to Leona Lewis. The total atmosphere was great and made the food taste even better.

After absorbing the entirety of the dive and digesting our delicious dinner, we collected our remnants, chucked them in the garbage, and got up from our comfy booth. Two hungry customers were eagerly waiting to fill our seats.

There is no excuse not to experience the taste of Burger Joint because it's conveniently open all hours of the day. Dress casual, come hungry and enjoy New York's best burgers.

BURGER JOINT; Le Parker Meridien; 18 W 57th St. New York.

Go further: Read about how Paris goes bonkers for burgers.

GRANDMA´S FUNKY JEWELRY BOX

Eleni Menoutis — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 08:35:00 GMT

Affordable vintage jewelry is usually difficult to find. We all wish we could just raid our grandma's old jewelry boxes and throw on her stash with today's modern fashions. In Pippin, however, it's hard not to walk out with cheap antique charms.

Located on West 17th Street, a block known for vintage, thrift and antique shops, Pippin houses an array of funky one-of-a-kinds. The buyers purchase their entire inventory and restock the boutique with new selections each week.

They've even created their own line, called Reverie, known for its original artwork of combined vintage pieces.

One cool aspect about Pippin is that you'll always know where your vintage finds have originated from. On the white price stickers are the cost on one side and the date of the item on the reverse.

I bought a gorgeous 1930's/1940's bracelet yesterday for only $24! And not only will you find jewelry, but also vintage hats and handbags.

I'm always sure to be bare-skinned when entering Pippin, because I know my fingers, wrists and neck will most certainly be adorned when walking out.

Be sure to peek into Pippin Home, the treasure chest right next door.

PIPPEN; 112 & 1121⁄2 West 17th Street, New York, NY

NEW YORK CITY.....SHH

Eleni Menoutis — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 17:30:00 GMT

Last night I explored the hidden nooks and crannies within New York's lively city streets. Always be observant when strolling down city blocks, because you just may walk past something worth discovering.

La Esquina

Corner of Cleveland and Kenmare: where people of all paths and walks of life meet for some good ol' corn on the cob - La Esquina-style of course. I was surprised my friend Jac and I were able to snatch a reservation during Fashion Week at La Esquina (meaning "corner" in Spanish), but we managed a 6:30 spot.

We walked into the Cafe-Taqueria and were escorted down a flight of stairs and through the restaurant's aromatic kitchen, where the busy cooks themselves directed us into the cellar - an obscure gothic-style bar and dining area.

The young hostess seated us at our perfect deuce near the rear of the restaurant, facing the surrounding fashionistas and city natives, busboys wearing "Mexico" shirts, and food runners sporting "Obama '08" t-shirts righteously so. One waiter was styling with his tight black vest and white undershirt, tattooed arms and a stripe of blue running through the back of his hair.

Mismatched vintage wooden chairs, FIRE and Corona Extra buckets hanging from the ceiling, stonewashed brick walls, tiled art, and iron gates, all stirred up the medieval-dungeon-feel.

Not only did the hip village staff and equally suited decor create the unique La Esquina atmosphere, the gourmet grub and signature drinks contributed as well. We sampled the savory staples: the grilled string beans, sweet corn on the cob rolled in grated Cotija cheese and chili powder, and Mexican corn truffle quesadillas paired with a fiery chipotle sauce. As for margaritas, over 200 tequilas to choose from with prized ones, such as the 1941 Don Julio, costing as much as $150 a shot!

And if that wasn't impressive and delicious enough for us, our waitress ended our night with a complimentary decadent Mexican chocolate espresso-filled cake topped with crème fresh ice cream - all because she thought I needed to taste the best dessert for my article. The perks of writing for Momondo ;)

La Esquina; 106 Kenmare St. and Cleveland Pl. Soho, New York.

Crif Dogs ... PDT (Please Don't Tell)

Next spot we scoped out was the East Village's Crif Dogs, known for its deep-fried Jersey-style hot dogs and hush hush phone booth.

When you walk into Crif Dogs, it looks like an ordinary hot dog shop with customers giving their orders at the counter, ketchup and mustard bottles on the tables and stools lined up along the wall.

But then you turn to the left and walk into the peculiar phone booth ...

I picked up the white telephone inside and pushed a button. The hostess answered and led us into the small speakeasy, Please Don't Tell. Black curtains, black leather seats, round wooden tables, stuffed animal heads on the brick walls - poor rabbit, bear, raccoon and owl - and lamps above the tables that made me feel as though I was about to get my palm read by a psychic.

The bathroom was even cool. Mosaic walls of shattered glass reflecting everything inside. Then the cool menus: black and leather with the surprisingly recurring Obama theme for the night. A beer was called the Sixpoint Hop Obama! But instead we chose to try PDT's specialty: absinthe.

The waitress brought us the Absinthe Cocktail and the Corpse Reviver #2, which featured the special absinthe spray technique for a faint black licorice aftertaste. Absinthe is definitely an acquired taste.

We couldn't leave without sampling the famous Crif dogs, so we ordered The Wylie Dog, which was a deep-fried hot dog with ketchup molasses, but without the fried mayo (ew!), and The Hummer, a grilled veggie dog topped with hummus, to make our unhealthy snack seem a bit more nutritious. I'm officially an anti-hot dog turned hot dog fan.

CRIF DOGS ... PDT; 113 St. Marks Pl. near 1st Ave. New York

Death & Co.

The last and final treasured cove of the night. A very dark wooden door and bar front mark the cryptic Death & Co. on 433 East 6th St., Lower East Side. My friends and I almost walked right past the man in black standing in front of the dimly lit entrance.

Chandeliers and candles are the only sources of light inside. Sinatra music playing in the background, wood paneled ceiling, wooden floors, black marble tables.

We were able to choose from a menu of sweet, smoky or spicy cocktails. I went with the Spicy Paloma, infused with jalapeno, grapefruit and lime. But Jac's tempura cauliflower with melted cheddar was definitely the highlight of our experience there.

Besides the pretentious waitress and decent cocktails, Death & Co is a good late night place to relax before heading home.

So next time you're about to walk past that average N.Y.C. corner, hot dog stand, or desolate-looking door, pause for a second, and take a look inside.

PASTIS: NYC MEETS FRENCH FLAIR

Eleni Menoutis — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 14:42:00 GMT

Pastis, a trendy French bistro located in Manhattan's Meatpacking District, is one of my tops picks for wining and dining in New York City. My personal favorites are the seared tuna Nicoise salad, the simple french fries and the sinful bread pudding. My drink of choice would definitely be their espresso martini, made to perfection.
The atmosphere is enjoyably loud with locals that come to socialize right after work. The age range of customers is about twenties to forties and fifties and up. It's a mixture of all types of personalities.

Photo by Aturkus

Make sure to make reservations for this leading NYC restaurant because it is almost impossible to be seated without one. And swing by in the summertime to enjoy a coffee break or brunch at their outdoor summer cafe.

Related posts:

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The Gramercy Park Hotel in New York

Eleni Menoutis — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 10:43:00 GMT

Ever wondered what it would be like to party with the stars? This past Spring break I was able to get a taste.

My sister works at the famous Gramercy Park Hotel in NYC. She cocktail waitresses at the swank Rose Bar in her stunning black Narciso Rodriguez back-zippered dress that fits like a glove on all of the modelesque servers. The atmosphere is funky and laid back, with upbeat lounge music playing in the background. The lighting is very bare; the stone fireplace and tiny table candles create the minimal glow. It's as if you're in ancient times reading the drink menu with candelas. Maroon velvet curtains hang down over the doors and plush rose-colored cloth lines all of the booths, seats and comfy royal-like chairs throughout the bar. Surrounding the discerning celebrities and hotel guests are eclectic murals and paintings that mirror their very styles and pull together the overall modish theme.

The drinks are as trendy as the guests. I tried the rose martini, which literally tasted like I was drinking a flower, the incredibly delish fig martini, and my favorite, the vanilla martini, which came with an orchid floating atop. My friend tried ordering a cosmo and the waitress simply would not let her because there were so many amazing specialty martinis to sample. We then finished off the night with champagne, every girl's favorite. And as we sipped on our bubbly we peered over to the table in front of us and spotted Entourage star Jeremy Piven surrounded by a booth of girls. Later in the night we saw Crash star Terrence Howard in a tight suit and hat and Leonardo DiCaprio's model girlfriend Bar Rafaeli. Supposedly a Sports Illustrated cover model was roaming around as well.

So if you're not a celebrity, model or posh hotel guest, just try working it. Up and coming photographers, businessmen and stars saturate the bar, who I'm sure are more than willing to buy some girls a few drinks. And if you're lucky, you may even walk out with a number :)

GRAMERCY PARK HOTEL
2 Lexington Avenue, New York, NY 10010
Tel. 212 920 3300 Fax 212 673 5890
http://www.gramercyparkhotel.com/
Reservations toll-free (US) 866 784 1300

CENTURY 21 MAKES YOUR SHOPPING DREAMS COME TRUE

Eleni Menoutis — Sat, 01 Mar 2008 06:13:00 GMT

For all you clothes horses out there, I'm sure you can agree when I say that Century 21 is no longer New York's best kept secret -- it's everyone's favorite department store. From major international to American designer brands, the racks are full of to-die-for apparel, and the shelves are stacked with chic shoes and accessories. Ladies, mens, lingerie, juniors, handbags & accessories, shoes, childrens and home departments are all located within the treasured superstore.

Bargain shoppers, rethink your shopping game plans. TJ Maxx, Nordstrom Rack and Loehmann's may be great finds, but they don't measure up. Century 21's designers, quality and collections are incomparable, and the value for the dollar is unbelievable -- 40 to 70% off merchandise! I once found an adorable Betsey Johnson dress for $43 (€27) and Michael Kors boots for $78 (€49).

Photo by Chor Ip

Make sure to set aside a few hours before entering Century 21. I'd say I average about four hours per visit, at least. It's my go-to for jeans, dresses, tops, bathing suits, shoes -- literally everything. I even purchase my Clinique face gel there!

My blog post does not do Century 21 justice. You'll just have to sacrifice some dollars and time to find out how amazing and addictive this discount designer department store truly is.

Century 21 locations:Brooklyn, Manhattan, Morristown, Paramus, Rego Park (coming soon) and Westbury.

Related articles:

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GoGo Voyage Ali Laptop Envelopes

Eleni Menoutis — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 14:26:00 GMT

My favorite website, Fashion Week Daily, posted this fabulous find in their "Obsessions" section the other day, and I had to share it with all of you chic travelers out there.

What is one of the most important things for a traveler, especially a traveler who blogs, to bring with them when experiencing Europe? A laptop. And not only a laptop, but a laptop with the most fashionable sleek case.

GoGo Voyage Ali Laptop Envelopes are the perfect cover-up for your portable journals. Choose from black patent, silver, green, tan, or cream and fit right in with the impeccable European fashion.

AVAILABLE: http://www.fredala.com

Related post:

Five travel items one can't do without