Posts tagged Farm to Table
Food & Politics
The Place For Eating
Riverpark
Hidden behind the NYU Hospital in nameless Manhattan is a culinary gem and dining experience that should be discovered by all. Riverpark by Tom Colicchio (owner of Craft and Colicchio & Sons Restaurants and more importantly, head judge of Top Chef) combines the farm to table experience in a way that makes all others fall short. The reason, I assume, for the off the beaten path location is the vast amount of land available. Riverpark grows its produce in an adjacent farm, allowing for fresh seasonal ingredients, picked daily, to shine throughout all of their dishes.
After looking a bit confused, a security guard directed me into a lovely all glass looking office building, located across from the farm. I followed the signs and finally arrived at the restaurant. Elegant lights hung from the ceiling making the room sparkle. The light wooden tables and blue accents created an almost magical dining room.
Rosemary’s
The farm to table dining experience has taken New York by storm. Constantly, new places are using precious real estate to dedicate to the art of farming and delicious, local culinary eating. Rosemary’s in the heart of the West Village is the latest example of this growing phenomenon. This stand alone building uses its rooftop to grow many of the vegetables used on their menu, as well as creating their own breads, cheeses and meats. Very few items on the menu are not made on site.
I met my friend for a late dinner, since my new work hours only allow for this. Even at 9:30pm on a Monday, there was an hour wait at this spot that does not take reservations. Long wooden standing tables in the bar area were open so we headed back to enjoy a little bite while we waited for our actual table to become available.
Upon entering the restaurant, it feels like a Hamptons garden, with white Christmas lights hanging from the ceiling in an elegant way. Exposed brink and green plants acted as the main decorations, making it feel as if you were in a gorgeous backyard. The light wooden tables and bright light fixtures give the most beautiful, yet simple feel. It’s just lovely. If a boy took me on a first date here, he’d automatically get a second.
The Fat Radish
Walking down Orchard Street, the various awning signs made it clear that I was in Chinatown. I ventured downtown to meet my friend, Amber, for dinner at The Fat Radish, a trendy, rustic spot. My confused continued to grow to the point where I even checked my location on my iPhone. When I saw gorgeous couples standing outside a dark wooden door and large windows, I knew this place was different then the past four blocks. I found it.
Once inside, the restaurant’s feel was radically different then the outside world. The gorgeous white-washed exposed brick (my favorite), small candles, wine bottles, mirrors, and beautiful flower bouquets gave a feeling of subtle elegance. The ceiling windows allowed for natural sunlight to shine through making me feel as if I was in a hidden backyard garden. It was stunning.
After a long day of work, I was in need of a refreshing drink. I contemplated ordering their special Watermelon Beer, but it was in a can and I was too nervous to take a risk. I settled on the Mint Lemonade.
Northern Spy Food Co.
Friday night revolved around sister bonding time and a really fabulous meal. My younger sister, Leigh, arrived home from finishing freshman year at USC in the wee hours of the night and after a day of beauty sleep, made her way back into the city. She met me and my work friends for a quick margarita, before heading downtown to the East Village for dinner. I have been attempting to make my way to Northern Spy Food Co after reading about its wonderful farm to table menu and fun atmosphere. At 10:15pm we finally arrived.
The restaurant is gorgeous and rustic. The wooden tables, white brick walls and dim lighting create this atmosphere that gives off the perfect homey country vibe. We both immediately felt right at home in the intimate, beautiful setting right in the heart of the East Village. We sat at the bar quickly while waiting for our table to be ready and started off with a drink. It’s wine and beer only, so it’s fun to see how they can put a spin on limited options.
(My Cabernet Sauvingnon & Leigh’s Alfonso - St. Vincent Brut, Dubonnet Rouge, Angostura Bitters, Sugar Cube and Twist)
It was a perfect way to start the meal off, as we glanced over the small, but complex menu. Eventually we sat down and decided to begin our culinary experience with a cheese board.
