We’re celebrating in Mexico this year so fortunately our New Year’s Eve planning has been done for us.  But if you’re anything like me, you’re still trying to figure out how you’re going to bring in the new decade come tomorrow night.  There are plenty of great options still available around the city.  We’ve limited [...]

As Andy and I boarded the train for our 40-minute ride to Tarrytown a couple of Saturday nights back, we found ourselves discussing our favorite meals of 2009.  After all, we were on our way to one of our favorite spots, Blue Hill at Stone Barns on the Rockefeller estate (30 miles north of the city in Pocantico [...]

Piccola Cucina in Soho (184 Prince St.; 212-625-3200) which re-opened back in November starts delivery today and is offering their signature tiramisu free (reg. price $10) with each order until Christmas. The modern Italian dishes Sicilian-born Chef Philip Guardione serves at the restaurant (minus a dish or two that wouldn’t travel well) will be available for delivery [...]

As part of their ongoing “The 12 Days of Astor” holiday specials, for one day only Astor Center is offering 2-for-1 tickets to several upcoming wine classes. Use the promo code HOLIDAY09. If you’re looking to get someone a holiday gift, you may as well get to share in the fun, too. Your ticket is basically [...]

We’ve started to hear some good things through the grapevine about blu restaurant & bar in the relatively new Hotel Indigo located in Upper Chelsea/Fashion District (127 W. 28th St. b/t 6th & 7th Ave). Blu describes itself as a contemporary American with Italian influence. The kitchen is led by Executive Chef Roberto Bellissimo, formerly of Le Cirque. [...]

Here’s one for people on a budget and the clock. Havana Central is introducing the “Rapido Lunch” at all 3 of its Manhattan locations (Union Sq, Times Sq and West End). For $9.95 you get your choice of entree from the Rapido menu (after the jump), which will be served within 15 minutes of being seated. [...]

It’s no secret that New Yorkers have a soft spot for craft beers, bourbon, barbeque and, of course, bacon. Come Saturday, January 30th, you’ll have the chance to indulge in all of ‘em in one place when the The First Annual Beer, Bourbon & BBQ Festival comes to town at la.venue (608 W. 28th St [...]

The opportunities to do something positive while engaging in a sloshy, boozy brunch are few and far between. But on Saturday, December 26th Public and Double Crown will host boozy Boxing Day brunches to benefit the Children of Bellevue. In keeping with Boxing Day’s charitable aims, both restaurants will treat guests who donate an unwrapped children’s book [...]

Just in time for the arctic chill comes word that Trestle on Tenth (242 10th Ave @ 24th St; 212-645-5659) and Executive Chef/Owner Ralf Kuettel, a native of Switzerland, will be offering up the ultimate in comfort food — traditional Swiss fondue — to help you warm up on nasty, bitter cold Winter Sundays (through [...]

Because irresponsible people like me either forget about ’em or lose ‘em, restaurants can afford to offer nice discounts or promotions on their gift cards. Heck, some of these deals are so good we’re buying gift cards for ourselves. Never look a gift card in the mouth!
B.R. Guest Restaurants (Bill’s Bar & Burger, Blue Fin, Blue [...]

We have been getting lots of great feedback from readers about Mollydooker’s Party in a Box gift idea, which we included in our 2009 Holiday Gift Guide. We just love this concept…and all of Mollydooker’s wines for that matter. Well, we just got word from a Mollydooker representative that Mollydooker is offering 15% off all of its [...]

Jill and I headed over to the Uncle Jack’s Steakhouse on W. 56th St b/t 5th & 6th Ave last night to see what Wine Tasting Wednesday is all about. All we knew going in is that from 5-7pm there is a complimentary wine tasting with artisanal cheese and fruit pairings in the bar area. [...]

On December 24th and 25th, SushiSamba Park (245 Park Avenue South; 212-475-9377) and SushiSamba 7 (87 Seventh Avenue South; 212-691-7885) are each offering a multi-course “Holiday Omakase” menu for just $45 a person (not including tax & gratuity). Take a look at the menu…

Tonight is Wine Tasting Wednesday at all three Uncle Jack’s Steakhouses. The complimentary wine tasting with artisanal cheese and fruit pairings takes place from 5-7pm in the bar area at the NYC locations and from 6-8 in Bayside. Unlce Jack’s locations are 440 9th avenue between 34th/35th streets, 44 W 56th street between 5th/6th avenue, and the Bayside [...]

December is all about spending, eating and, of course, drinking. While you’re dropping loads of cash this month on gifts for friends, family, clients and bosses, the last thing you want to see are huge restaurant tabs. Alcohol is the typical culprit, accounting for half or more of the bill depending on how much you [...]