The Russian Tea Room
Who doesn’t love Valentine’s Day, or at least love to hate it? Spend the evening at one of New York City’s most romantic restaurants. I’m giving away a FREE VALENTINE’S DAY DINNER for two at the famed institution, The Russian Tea Room. So sink into a cozy booth on the opulent first floor or newly re-opened, second floor dining room – 15-foot juggling bear, samovars, golden tree & all – and enjoy a divinely sumptuous five-course tasting menu with champagne pairings. Feast on gifted chef, Gary Robins’ silky champagne-poached lobster, savory foie gras pelmeni (RG Best Dish of 2006), and red wine-braised short ribs a la “Stroganoff”. To win, simply enter your email in the SUBSCRIBE box at the right of the site, then forward Restaurantgirl.com to three of your friends, (including restaurantgirl@restaurantgirl.com), and enlist them to subscribe! That way...
Read MoreQuality Meats
Restaurant Girl Membership has its privileges! I’m giving away a FREE DINNER for two at Quality Meats, a chic New American spot with sumptuous steaks in midtown. While chef Craig Koketsu manages to dazzle with juicy rib eye steaks and divinely decadent corn creme brulee, pastry chef Corey Colton seals the deal with home-made ice creams that give Ben & Jerry’s a run for their money. To win, simply enter your email in the SUBSCRIBE box at the right of the site, then forward Restaurantgirl.com to three of your friends, (including restaurantgirl@restaurantgirl.com), and enlist them to subscribe! That way even if you don’t win, you can guilt your friend into taking you to dinner at Quality Meats. All entries are due by Monday, February 5th. The winner will be announced Tuesday, February 6th on Restaurantgirl.com! **Don’t forget to subscribe...
Read MoreSavannah Steak is No More
7 East 48th St. (btwn. 5th & Madison Aves.) (212)935-2500 CLOSED This three-story midtown steakhouse, seems to have sadly faded into the night after financial woes. Savannah Steak’s phone number is “no longer in service”, the doors are locked, you get the picture. In January, East Coast Saloons (McFadden’s) sold the chop shop to an undisclosed buyer and the rest is apparently history. No word on who will attempt to fill these palatial shoes… Until we eat again, Restaurant Girl **Don’t forget to subscribe for Restaurant Girl’s Weekly...
Read MoreEnglish Is No Longer Italian
It seems that English Is No Longer Italian. That’s right, folks. While Jeffrey Chodorow & Todd English may have theoretically seemed like a power team, the result was a gargantuan, midtown gorge-fest of mediocre, family-style Italian. While both players have been successful in their own right, they couldn’t collaborate on an enduring formula….yet. But just when you were about to count this team out, they’ve thrown their hats back into the ring to once again reconceive the 200-seat space, presently host to English Is Italian. Come the first week in April, the restaurant will transform into Wild Salmon, a Pacific Northwestern with a definitive seafood slant. China Grill Management has lured chef Charles Ramseyer, who made a name for himself at Ray’s Boathouse, a top Seattle dining destination. While not taking drastic measures to make over the space, CGM...
Read MoreThe Little Owl
Thank you for the overwhelming response to The Little Owl dinner giveaway! Tragically, there are only 28 seats in Joey Campanaro’s seasonal American spot that took New York City by storm. Sally Hurst has won a FREE DINNER for two at The Little Owl, which earned two stars from the New York Times, making it impossible to score a table. Stay tuned for next week’s dinner giveaway… Until we eat again, Restaurant Girl *Don’t forget to subscribe for Restaurant Girl’s Weekly...
Read MoreThe Little Owl
Like plastic, Restaurant Girl Membership has its privileges! I’m giving away a FREE DINNER for two at The Little Owl, the 28-seat restaurant that took New York City by storm! Earning two stars from the New York Times, Joey Campanaro’s seasonal American spot became an overnight success, making it impossible to score a table. Well, I’ve done the impossible – simply forward Restaurant Girl’s Weekly Newsletter to five of your friends (including restaurantgirl@restaurantgirl.com), and enlist them to subscribe! That way even if you don’t win, you can guilt your friend into taking you to dinner. If you’re not subscribed, simply enter your email in the SUBSCRIBE box at the right of Restaurant Girl. The winner will be announced Friday, January 19th! Until we eat again, Restaurant Girl **Don’t forget to subscribe for Restaurant Girl’s Weekly...
Read MoreFrederick’s Downtown
Elaine Giammetta has won a FREE three-course dinner for two at Frederick’s Downtown, a chic West Village bistro serving Provence-inspired French fare. I’ll be giving away another free dinner on Monday, January 8th. So be sure to visit Restaurant Girl and subscribe for Restaurant Girl’s New Weekly Newsletter in the SUBSCRIBE box to the right of the site! Until we eat again, Restaurant Girl **Don’t forget to subscribe for Restaurant Girl’s Weekly...
Read MoreFrederick’s Downtown
I’d like to thank Frederick’s Lounge for hosting Restaurant Girl’s first holiday party on Tuesday, December 12th! The champagne was flowing and festive cocktails were had by all. But of course, it wouldn’t be a Restaurant Girl party without food – we happily feasted on sumptuous short ribs and fresh sushi! In celebration of the opening of Frederick’s Downtown, a chic West Village bistro serving Provence-inspired French fare, we are giving away a FREE DINNER to this already popular spot! In order to win a three-course dinner with wine pairings, simply forward Restaurant Girl to five of your favorite friends, including restaurantgirl@restaurantgirl.com, by December 25th and enlist them to SUBSCRIBE! That way even if you don’t win, you can guilt your friend into taking you to dinner. If you’re not subscribed, simply enter your email in the SUBSCRIBE box...
Read MoreAureole
Palak Solanki has won a FREE DINNER for two at Charlie Palmer’s Aureole, which earned three stars from the New York Times! Palak will feast on a three-course dinner with wine pairings at this elegant townhouse on the Upper Eastside. Congratulations! Until we eat again, Restaurant Girl **Don’t forget to subscribe for Restaurant Girl’s Weekly...
Read MoreAureole
‘Tis the season for giving, so give the gift of Restaurant Girl’s Newsletter to your friends – your personal dining guide to the NYC restaurant scene! I’m giving away a FREE DINNER at Charlie Palmer’s Aureole, which earned three stars from the New York Times, to a lucky SUBSCRIBER. In order to win a FREE three-course dinner with wine pairings at this elegant townhouse on Manhattan’s Upper Eastside, simply forward Restaurant Girl’s newsletter to five of your favorite friends, including restaurantgirl@restaurantgirl.com, and enlist them to subscribe! That way even if you don’t win, you can guilt your friend into taking you to dinner. If you’re not subscribed, simply enter your email in the SUBSCRIBE box at the right of Restaurant Girl. The winner will be announced Friday, December 15th on my...
Read MoreSpotted Pig Winner
Gail Grant has won a FREE DINNER for two at Michelin-starred gastropub, The Spotted Pig. Ken Friedman took NYC’s dining scene by storm last year when he opened this now, uber-impossible to score a table hot spot with Italian-accented delights, courtesy of chef, April Bloomfield. ‘Tis the season for giving, so stay tuned for the next dinner giveaway to be announced in Restaurant Girl’s Weekly Newsletter this Thursday, December 7th! Simply enter your email address in the SUBSCRIBE box to the right to receive weekly...
Read MoreThe Spotted Pig
Like plastic, Restaurant Girl Membership has its privileges! In celebration of Restaurant Girl’s new weekly newsletter, I’m giving away a FREE DINNER at Michelin-starred gastropub, The Spotted Pig. Ken Friedman took NYC’s dining scene by storm last year when he opened this now, uber-impossible to score a table hot spot with Italian-accented delights, courtesy of chef, April Bloomfield. To WIN DINNER AT THE SPOTTED PIG, simply forward Restaurant Girl to four of your friends, then email me at restaurantgirl@restaurantgirl.com by December 4th. That way even if you don’t win, you can guilt your friend into taking you to dinner. If you’re not subscribed, simply enter your email in the SUBSCRIBE box at the right. The winner will be announced Tuesday, December 5th on my site! Until we eat again, Restaurant...
Read MoreKlee Brasserie
200 Ninth Ave., btwn. 22nd & 23rd Sts.(212)633-8033website TYPE: European AmericanVIBE: Homey brasserie OCCASION: A cozy date, bar dining or group dinnerDON’T MISS DISH: Swordfish steak with barbecued creamed chard DRINK SPECIALTY: Wines by the glass, carafe & bottle; Signature cocktailsPRICE: $40 & up HOURS: Dinner, Mon – Sat, 6 PM – 11 PM; Lunch, Mon – Fri, 12 PM – 3 PM (will begin the next couple weeks); Brunch, Sundays, 11:30 AM – 2 PM.RESERVATIONS: Reservations accepted, recommended on weekends.FINAL WORD: There’s no place like home as Chelsea gets a warm and fuzzy brasserie all its own, with an eclectic menu & inspired cocktail list to boot. There’s nothing glamorous or remotely over the top about Klee Brasserie, the latest addition to Chelsea’s dining scene. Part ski-slope resort, part bistro, this intimate, new spot feels mostly like home. ...
Read MoreTwo New Restaurants Hit The NYC Streets
‘Tis the season for new restaurants and there’s countless to devoured. Here’s a sneak peek at two of the lastest newcomers. savorNY63 Clinton Street, btwn. Stanton & Rivington Sts.(212)358-7125Website TYPE: Eclectic small plates VIBE: Inviting LES nook OCCASION: A casual date or neighborhood nibblesDON’T MISS DISH: Chinese bbq duckDRINK SPECIALTY: 35-bottle wine selection, all available by the glass ($7-$12), or the bottle ($26-$45).PRICE: $35 & up HOURS: Open seven days a week. Dinner, 4 PM – until the last diner leaves; Brunch, Saturday & Sunday 12 PM -3 PM.RESERVATIONS: No reservations accepted. This Lower East Side gem has slipped onto the restaurant scene to little, but worthy fanfare. Owner Craig Gross, a long-time manager at Blue Water Grill, and his partner Joe Dobias, formerly a chef at Quaint in Queens, have teamed up to deliver global cuisine and wines at...
Read MoreThe Crack of Cake
Cake Man Raven708-A Fulton StreetBrooklyn NY 11217718-797-2598718-694-CAKE (to pre-order cakes) I have accidentally stumbled upon the perfect slice, (no, not Di Fara’s pizza). Behold, Cake Man Raven’s sublime red velvet cake; a cake so decadently divine, it literally keeps me up at night. I suggest you get yourself to Fort Greene immediately for the slice of a lifetime. At the risk of playing the role of the playground drug dealer, this is one addiction I encourage you to indulge in, calories be damned. Deep in Fort Greene, a line of people slowly file into a modestly marked shop, slip the counter girl a five, then skip out with a slice as if you’re about to engage in some sort of illicit activity. Parodixically located in Park Slope, Harlem Baking Company sells giant fluffy slices of red velvet cakes. ...
Read MorePicholine
Rich Saab has won a FREE four-course dinner for two with matching wines at Picholine, awarded three stars by the New York Times, personally prepared by famed chef, Terrance Brennan. Who doesn’t love a free meal? So, I’ll be giving away another FREE DINNER to officially celebrate my new Restaurant Girl newsletter. You’ll have to click on Restaurant Girl next Friday, November 10th to find out the restaurant and details! Until we eat again, Restaurant Girl **Don’t forget to subscribe for Restaurant Girl...
Read MorePicholine
Like plastic, Restaurant Girl membership has its privileges (again)! In celebration of Restaurant Girl’s new, once-a-week email campaign (coming next week), I’m giving away a FREE DINNER for two at Picholine, which earned three stars from the New York Times, to a lucky subscriber. So EMAIL me by Wednesday, November 1st, for a chance to win a four-course dinner for two with matching wines at Picholine, personally prepared by famed chef, Terrance Brennan. No need to fret if you’re not subscribed, simply enter your email in the SUBSCRIBE box at the right. Don’t forget to forward this to all of your friends: that way even if you lose, you can still guilt your friend into taking you to dinner. Until we eat again, Restaurant Girl **Don’t forget to subscribe for Restaurant Girl...
Read MoreMarkt No More…?
401 West 14th St. (at 9th Ave.) (212)727-3314 Markt Rumor mill has it that Markt, Meatpacking’s trendy and ever-crowded Belgian brasserie, may soon be a distant memory. Specializing in admittedly mediocre moules frites and a bevvy of Belgian beers, the airy, wood-decked restaurant, will be torn down to make way for an Apple Store when Markt’s lease comes up in January. Likewise, Swatch will take over the adjacent space, formerly home to Western Beef Grocery, a purveyor in all things beef. No one at Markt could be reached for official confirmation, but it looks like we could be saying dag, that’s Dutch for goodbye, to this haunt. Until we eat again, Restaurant...
Read MoreThe Russian Tea Room – Reservation Lines Are Open
150 West 57th Street (between 6th & 7th Aves.)(212)581-7100 The Russian Tea Room’s phone lines officially opened at 9 AM this morning to accept dinner reservations, starting November 3rd. At 2 PM this afternoon, I was able to snag a table for two people at 8 PM opening night. I called back again and tried for 6 people at 8:30, but apparently they can’t handle parties larger than 4 on opening night. However, they could do a four-top at 8:30 (someone should call & grab it). Gary Robins (formerly of the Biltmore Room) still is in the process of designing a "pan-European menu", primarily Russian, with influences from every country that touches Russia’s borders, from Asia to Sweden. Hmm, sounds like global cuisine to me. Until we eat again,Restaurant...
Read MoreRestaurant Girl Rewards – Dinner at HQ
With so little time and so many great restaurants in New York City, I can’t possibly sample every food gem. So, I’d love to hear your favorite restaurant, and in return, I’m giving away a FREE DINNER for two at HQ in Soho, awarded two stars by both The New York Observer and The Daily News. HQ chef and owner Terrance Cave, formerly of Blue Ribbon & Metrazur, prepares refined American cuisine in a casually chic setting. All you have to do is EMAIL ME by Wednesday, October 25th, for your chance to win a three-course dinner with matching wines at the Chef’s Table. I’ll announce the WINNER and their favorite restaurant on Friday, October 27th. Only SUBSCRIBERS have a chance to win the raffle, so if you’re not already subscribed, simply enter your email in the SUBSCRIBE BOX...
Read MoreCheck out My Book – Try This
