by David McGuffin | Jul 23, 2010 | Destinations, Restaurant Reviews
I got a Facebook message today from a friend who is taking his wife to New York in a couple of weeks. He asked me for some of my favorite dining choices and off-the-beaten path things to do. So, Charlotte and I have colaborated and come up with our “thrifty and tasteful” take on New York City.
Most of our choices are family-owned establishments offering personal and caring service and always with a European flair. Many have limited seating (20 tops max) so it would be wise to call ahead for a reservation. We highly recommend all our choices. They are listed in no particular order.
- Trattoria Trecolori – 254 W. 42 St. (between Broadway and 8th Ave.) tel. 212-997-4540 – http://www.trattoriatrecolori.com/.
We were introduced to this place by David, one of Charlotte’s co-workers, and a long time resident of New York. One day David took us here for lunch. As we walked in David was greeted by the owner and waiters and treated as a “regular.” We’ve eaten here several times since and although they don’t know us, we get great service and some pretty amazing authentic Italian-American food. We dined at Trecolori just a couple of weeks ago with my sister and her husband and had a great dining experience (as opposed to a meal). I asked the waiter to prepare his choice for my dinner… he brought roasted veal that tasted amazing and melted in my mouth. Be sure to listen to the daily specials and order one if it suits your fancy. I’ve had several varieties of their fresh fish and it has always been great. The pasta and desserts are excellent as well. Entree items range from $12-23. Eclectic collection of wine from $24 a bottle.
- Pergola Des Artistes – 252 W. 46 Street (between Broadway and 8th Ave.) – tel. 212-302-7500 – http://pergoladesartistes.com (closed Sunday and Monday).
I’ve walked by this little “hole-in-the-wall” many times and wondered what was behind the small little door. The entrance reminds me of a brothal (not that I’ve ever been in one, mind you) or mafia-run nightclub. But trust me, behind that door is a welcome smile and some down-home country French cuisine. We finally dined here for the first time in early July 2010. New York was under a horrible heat wave, with temps above 100 F, and the cool A/C and homey atmosphere were just what we needed. When we arrived we were greeted by the barman, who we later found out was out waiter and the manager too. The menu was limited with typical provential French, escargot, onion soup, duck, beef burgundy, coq du vin, mussels in white wine, etc. However they do have an extensive list of fresh daily specials as well. On this occasion we chose escargot in a delicious broth of butter and herbs, duck confit with the roasted breast and lamb chops stuffed with porcini mushrooms. Perfect meal, perfect service and authentic cuisine. Entree items range from $12- $20. Good wine from $22 a bottle.
- La Petite Auburge 116 Lexington Ave, NY, NY 10016
Tel .212-689-5003
www.lapetiteaubergeny.com
Amazing and another well hidden gem.
- L’Ecole the Restaurant of The French Culinary Institute – 462 Broadway (just north of Canal St.) – tel. 212-219-3300 http://www.frenchculinary.com/lecole. We discovered L’Ecole in February 2010 and it has instantly become one of our favorites. Considering price, value, authenticity and service it cannot be topped! They have a lunch menu, a dinner menu before 7:00 p.m. and a dinner menu after 7:00 p.m.. We’v dined here at lunch and at the pre-7 p.m. dinner. They do not take reservations between 7 and 8 p.m. Just like in Europe, a table here is your’s until you leave, or they close and run you out. The cooking staff and wait staff are all students at the adjacent French Culinary Institute. The service and food is exceptional, authentically French and affordable. For us, this is often our least expensive meal in New York. Entrees from $9-18. Good wine (they don’t serve any bad stuff) from $22 a bottle.
- Cafe Un Deux Tois – 123 W. 44th Street (between 6th and Broadway)
Tel. 212-354-4148 – http://cafeundeuxtrois.biz/
Elegant upscale French dining with typical Parisian charm (said with tongue in cheek). David – I’ve spent a a few hours at the bar here with drinks and appitizers waiting on Charlotte while she shops. Good economical experience, all thing considered. Charlotte will have to tell you about the dining. Charlotte – I had lunch here at a retirement party. I don’t remember the exact menu but I do remember that I thoroughly enjoyed it!
- Da Gennaro Ristorante – 129 Mulburry Street (Little Italy) –
tel. 212-431-3934 Authentic Italian-American cuisine located in the heart of Little Italy. Everything here is authentic and typical, except for the waiters- they are from Spain or Mexico but do a good job of fooling you that they are true Italians. If you are in the area, go here for the food and you won’t be disappointed. Although, I would not make a special trip from the theatre district or uptown. It is always packed and the food is good. Entrees from $15.
- Carmine’s NYC Legendary Family Style Italian Restaurant – 2450 Broadway (Upper Westside) – tel. 212-362-2300 – http://www.carminesnyc.com/index.php
Carmine’s is consistant and always a winner when it comes to authentic Italian-America food. It is served family-style and in huge portions. If there are only two of you dining consider sharing the antipasti, pasta and entree. We normally come here with a group of people, order three or four courses, try to eat it all and don’t succeed. Consider getting a doggy bag and giving it to a needy person along the street between the restaurant and the subway. But seriously, the food, ambiance and dining experience is amazing. You won’t go home disappointed or hungry. Entrees from $12.
- Morton’s Steakhouse – 551 Fifth Ave. – Tel. 212-972-3315 – http://www.mortons.com/newyork/
Yes, it is a chain but for us, there is no better steak in New York City (we are suckers for Chicago-style meat). Entrees from $22 up.
by David McGuffin | Dec 21, 2009 | Destinations, Hotel Reviews
We arrived in ZURICH, SWITZERLAND by way of an overnight flight from Atlanta and were greeted with sub-freezing temperatures and a snow-covered landscape. In less than an hour, we had our rental car and were cruising along the highway to Schwangau, Germany. We encountered heavy snow and slow traffic the entire way. The last 100 kilometers took us along some beautiful rural countryside all covered with a blanket of white. The road was covered with snow as well and made driving rather tedious.
The afternoon was dreary and grey with the snow incessantly falling, but for us Floridians, it was a wonderful experience. Charlotte and I froze as we climbed up to Castle Schwangau, having had to wait thirty minutes before our entrance time. However, the chill was worth it because of the ambiance and vistas. The whole place is just like a “winter wonderland.”
-David
by David McGuffin | Dec 20, 2009 | Destinations
Charlotte and I are flying today to Zurich, Switzerland hoping to experience Christmas cheer in the foothills of the Alps. According to the forecast, it is going to be cold with snow. We can’t wait! For us Floridians, any chance to get into the chilly weather and snow is an adventure. Our itinerary is somewhat flexible, especially since I do not have a group to lead around, but here is a rough outline:
First, we will drive to Schwangau, Germany and visit King Ludwig II’s boyhood home (castle) know as Hohenschwangau. We will stay overnight with my hotelier friend Hermann Weidinger in Reutte, Austria. Then we will travel through Germany’s Black Forest and set up in Freiburg, Germany for four nights. I call this region the “Smokey Mountains” of Germany. There are a lot of Christmas markets to experience and maybe we’ll do some hiking too. Finally we will return to Zurich, explore the old town, and be home by Christmas.
by David McGuffin | Jul 30, 2009 | Destinations
Recently I’ve been traveling around Ireland. Today is July 31. At my home in Florida I see the temperature is projected to be 93 degrees F. Here in Dublin it is a push to get close to 65 degrees F! This has been true almost everyday during the last two weeks. My group and I have logged almost 1200 miles traveling around the island in a counter-clockwise direction from Dublin. The weather has been mostly wonderful. Yes, there were several day of rain, but we took the philosophy of “if you don’t like the weather, wait ten minutes and it will change.”
So, if you want an escape from the hot summer heat… Ireland is the spot!
-David
by David McGuffin | Jun 8, 2009 | Destinations, Experiencing Europe
I think I’ve posted about this subject before, but it bears repeating. Every time I arrive in Venice I can’t help but look at the crowds of tourists and feel a bit sorry for them. Most people float into Venice for a day or two, visit San Marco, the Doges Palace, the Rialto and shop along the streets that connect the major sights. This is compulsory for the first-time visitor and should not be missed. But, if you’ve got two or more days in Venice I recommend getting off the tourist path and taking a look at the local side of Venice.
Three islands in the Venice lagoon are a delightful retreat from the hustle and bustle of Venice. Murano, famous for glass, Burano, famous for lace, and the Venice Lido, famous for its beach are worth a little time. In the past I’ve preached “staying in Venice near San Marco” to get the ultimate experience of the town. but in recent years I’ve changed my mind. Those I travel with and I have come to enjoy the “retreat” that the Lido offers… small neighborhoods, families with kids, comfy little hotels and a hometown feel. Yes, there are tourist here on the Lido, but most are here for the beach and confine their activities to fun in the sun.
We are due to visit Burano and Murano tomorrow. I’ll give an update on those activities later. Right now I’ve got to eat breakfast and head over to Piazza San Marco. It’s just 10 minutes away by vaporetto, but seem like another world compared to the peace and quiet of my “home away from home” B&B on the Lido.
by David McGuffin | Jun 5, 2009 | Destinations, Thirsty Traveler
I’ve put the final itinerary together for my “Thirsty Traveler’s Tour” and am quite excited about the final outcome. In fact, I’m ready go right now!
June 16: Prague — Enjoy a guided walking tour of Prague’s city center and castle complex. Your guide will be a young, professional who lived through the Soviet days. You will hear first-hand accounts of life in Prague under Soviet rule, the former Czechoslovakia, and the struggles of making a living in a new democratic state. After lunch, enjoy a free afternoon to exploring more on your own.
June 17: Prague — The Czech Republic joined the European Union only as recently as 2007, although it has been free from the grasps of communism since 1989. This is as close as you’ll get now-a-days to experiencing socialism and the somber lifestyle of the former Soviet Union. Today is devoted to experiencing Prague, home of filling food and the world’s best pilsners. Later, hop on a flight to Pisa, Italy.
June 18: Volterra and San Gimignano — Join local resident Annie Adare who will take you on an informative walking tour of Volterra’s historic town center. The remainder of the morning is event-free. Following lunch, and maybe a siesta, we will travel a short distance to San Gimignano, a Tuscany hilltown noted for tourism, its many medieval towers, fine food and great wine. Later, we will return to Volterra and enjoy an Italian dinner at my favorite pizzaria.
After dinner, enjoy strolling the main streets with the locals on their daily passeggiata, considered a time to get out in the cool of the evening, get some exercise, and catch up on the local news.
You could go to bed, but why? Tonight we’ll enjoy an evening at my favorite wine bar, La Vena di Vino (the vein of wine). Join my friends Bruno and Lucio for a great night of fun interaction with the local crowd!
June 19: Florence –– Today is devoted entirely to Florence, the most famous Renaissance city in Europe. We will begin by traveling, by bus, to Florence (about 1.5 hours). Upon arrive in the city center, we will jump right in and visit the most famous site.
Today’s highlights include a visit to the Galleria Accademia, home of Michelangelo’s David. Additionally, you will visit the Duomo (famous for Brunelleschi’s dome) and experience a walking tour of the historic city center. There will be plenty of opportunities to get out on your own for shopping, another museum, or simply to relax. Later, return to Volterra for the evening.
June 20: Volterra — Enjoy a relaxing day in Volterra. We have no specific plans for today. Enjoy sleeping in, visiting a museum, getting in some shopping and actually enjoy the ambiance of the town.
Later we’ll gather at my favorite restaurant in all of Italy, Ristorante Del Duca. Here, husband and wife chefs, Genuino and Ivana, serve up the best food in Italy. You will enjoy fine “Tuscan-style” food and wine served in a unpretentious, yet formal setting. There is no better dining experience in Italy…period!
June 21: The Cinque Terre — The rugged coastline of Liguria is loaded with small fishing villages, terraced vineyards, olive groves, and breath-taking vistas. Although the area has become quite a tourist destination in recent years you’ll find the local folks still attached to their age-old customs and traditions.
Today, we are throwing our sightseeing itinerary to the wind, kicking back our heels, and enjoying our vacation in Italy’s Cinque Terre region. After an orientation, you will have the remainder of the day and evening to relax and enjoy our home village of Riomaggiore.
The Cinque Terre is well known for its fresh and crisp white wine. Even if you normally do not like wine, try it here. Equally as famous are the two “dessert” drinks. Lemoncello, a syrupy and tangy digestivo, an d Sciacchetrà, a sweet desert wine made from dried grapes.
June 22: The Cinque Terre — Traveling to and from the “five villages” in the region is easy by train, or boat, or trail. The National Park is full of scenic trails, which provide endless opportunities to get out and explore the outdoors. Others may wish to stake their claim on one of the many beaches a catch some sun. Each village has its own character, decor, and ambiance as well as plenty of shopping and dining options. After a full day of independent activities, we will meet in the town of Vernazza. Here, enjoy experience dinner at my favorite restaurant in the region, Il Castillo, which affords amazing vistas of the surrounding mountains, the sea, and the sunset. Enjoy a freshly prepared dinner of local seafood and pasta accompanied by the local Cinque Terre vino.
June 23: Fly to Dublin — We will leave Italy today and fly back to Ireland. Tonight you will have an opportunity to reflect and celebrate the Thirsty Traveler’s tour experience. Enjoy one last pint!
June 24: Your tour ends today. Fly out of Dublin to your hometown in the USA.
