Restaurant wish list part 1
Outdoor dining has opened up in NYC. Lou and I are still being cautious however because we want to make sure we’re trying not to travel around the city too frequently and only go to restaurants where we feel that proper social distancing measures have been taken.
Before restaurants started opening we created lists of the top 10 restaurants we wanted to take each other to as they began operating again. Over the next few weeks, I’ll be sharing our lists, why we love these restaurants, and how you can support them right now. Here is the first half of my list.
Bogota Latin Bistro: This is one of my favorites brunch spots in Park Slope. The menu features Columbian and other South American dishes. For brunch, I love the Columbian Breakfast which includes eggs, rice and beans, veggies, and a white arepa. Any of their dishes featuring chorizo are also great choices. I love going here with a group of friends and splitting a pitcher of margaritas or caipirinhas. If you go for lunch or dinner I recommend the empanadas or the Pom Palm Salad. Bogota is currently open for take out, delivery, and for outdoor dining.
Community Food and Juice: Speaking of brunch, another favorite spot of mine is Community in Morningside Heights. In normal times when Columbia is in session, there is usually a bit of a wait for a table, but it’s worth it. Their veggie frittata and the sausage and eggs with their carrot hash browns are among my faves. For dinner, I like their salmon and the market veggie bowl. Make sure you save room for dessert because their butterscotch pudding is to die for. Community is open for take out, delivery, and the patio is open for dining.
Fu Run: Fun Run holds a very special place in my heart. My late friend Steven introduced me to this Northern Chinese Restaurant in Flushing years ago and I always think of him when I go there. The flavors are so rich and distinct. It’s very different from the American Chinese restaurants most of us are used to. The Muslim Lamb and Muslim Sol are seasoned with spice blends you’d typically find in Indian or Middle Eastern dishes. The Eggplant in Hot Garlic sauce is my favorite dish on the vegetarian menu. For dessert, they serve fresh fruit with a bowl of liquid for dipping which carmelizes upon contact. You can order take out or delivery from Fu Run.
Pete’s Tavern: The reason Pete’s is on my list is because Lou is craving a great burger and this Gramercy Park bistro serves up one of the best. It’s also a great place to go for a steak or amazing seafood dishes. Pete’s hasn’t reopened yet but you can support them by purchasing gift cards.
Red Farm: This Asian fusion restaurant has locations in both the Upper West Side and the West Village. I love the Pac Man dumplings on the appetizer menu which are plated to look like Blinky, Inky, Pinky, and Clyde from the classic arcade game and are chased by a Pac Man seated on a bed of avocado. Lou is allergic to shellfish but fortunately, their Three Chili Chicken, BBQ Pork Belly, and Pastrami Egg Rolls are great alternatives if you are avoiding fish. Both locations of Red Farm are open for take out, delivery, and outdoor dining.
