50 Reasons to Wait Until 9PM

If a restaurant is still around after 50 years, they must be doing something right. Then the New York City mainstay, Brasserie must be doing something right. You would love to eat here on a regular basis, but when no appetizer is in the single digits you are going to save this place for a special occasion. When someone else pays. However, if you can wait until 9PM to eat dinner, Brasserie, has a 3-course meal for only $19.59; its in honor of the year they opened up shop in 1959. This is your chance to taste the classic french cuisine that has sustained this restaurant for so long. Until the end of the year, you can help celebrate Brasserie by enjoying the famous Burger, or french onion soup. Check out this special menu to see what would tickle your taste buds. So head to midtown, after 9PM and see why you could have eaten here when Don Draper was roaming the city. If you cannot wait that late to eat, grab a pretzel off the street before. Its just as New York as eating at the best restaurants in the world.

This Will Make You A Cookie Monster

So you are up to date on the latest restaurant trends, which means you have been on the Momufuku wait list for months. Then the big day came and you were stricken with the joyful 24 hour bug. Reluctantly giving up that coveted spot you still wanted to experience the creativity of this place. Well if you have a sweet tooth check out Momufuku's Milk Bar. This is where your dessert is turned into a inventive treat. Check out their menu, and see what these crazy chefs have come up with. You can get everything from coffee flavored milk (not coffee with milk) to an Arnold Palmer pie, just like your favorite refreshing summer drink. Well I have only had the cookies, and they are something to write home about (or a blog post). With only 4 options you would think you wanted to have more to choose from. My personal favorite, is the compost, which is basically, everything but the kitchen sink. With pretzels, potato chips, coffee, oats, butterscotch, and chocolate chips, how could it be bad? At $1.85 these are not horrible for New York City prices, but if they happen to have some left overs, Milk Bar will sell them to you the next day for 85 cents. Where can you get anything in this city for under a dollar? At 85 cents you cannot get a chips ahoy for that price. So they maybe a day old but honestly can you even wait to eat it? Before you leave their doors you will be back at the counter for seconds.

Eating Is The Spice Of Life

So I love to eat. Can't you tell from some of my recent posts? Well now I am spreading my appetite all the way down to Miami. Like New York, Miami is celebrating their version of restaurant week with Miami Spice. Showcasing Miami's hottest eateries you can have 3-course meal at lunch for $22 and dinner for $35. Lasting all the way through September, you have plenty of time to try all the places participating. You will get to indulge in all the exotic flavors Miami is known for. Check out which of your favorite restaurants are participating on the official website. Now go pick where you are going to have dinner. All cuisines are represented, so its going to be a hard decision.

Gotham Sunday's

So it seems the restaurant business is taking a hard hit in these economic times, hense the reason there are tons of deals for me to blog about. I was just enlightened about Sunday nights at the world famous Gotham Bar and Grill in New York City. Opened in the 1980s, the restaurant is paying hommage to its prices from back in the day. Every Sunday night until Labor Day, head down to this village staple for dinner on a less inflated dime. The menu has all the dishes that has made this place the staple it is from Hanger Steak (which I remember eating when I went there back in the day) to Goat Cheese Raviloi. I have only been here once, when I was much younger for a special occasion when the rentals were paying for a 3-course meal. But what I do remember is that the food was DELICIOUS. Make sure you take advantage of Sunday dinner because once Labor Day comes you do not want to be spending $32 for Roast Chicken, when you can get it for a fraction.

Brunch Without a Deadline

You live for Saturday's and Sunday's so you can get Brunch with your friends to catch up with what happened last week. However, Sunday seems so far away and its 8 at night and all you want is brunch munch, but have to wait a half a week to get some. Stop right there. You now can get your brunch on 7 days a week, at any time of day down in the East Village at Permanent Brunch. No need to beat the clock that its 4 PM and your Eggs Benedict supply has dried up for a whole week. Their menu reads just like you want it to, with buttermilk pancakes and omelets galore. My favorite part of the menu is the bacon bar, where you can try various types of this pork goodness. Prices are brunch friendly, i.e. pocketbook friendly. This place opens up shop on Thursday, and I will go with anyone who wants to join me, as Brunch is my favorite meal. Trust me ask any of my friends.

You wish the holiday weekend would last the whole summer. You can't even believe I am mentioning the word work right now. I know this is true, but after all the fun is done, you have to face the fact that reality is knocking this Monday morning. But hey, there can be fun during the week. That's what Happy Hour is for. If you are working, living, playing in the Miami area this summer head over to Badrutt's Place. Until the 15th of July enjoy free white sangria or 2-for1 cocktails from 5-8pm. Enjoy your drinks with their tapas that are under $10. Located at 1250 S. Miami Ave gather your colleagues or friends and decompress after a long day at work. Situated in the booming Financial District, it looks like it won't even be a far walk or drive from the office. Now this is the perfect way to continue the perfect holiday weekend into the work week

Lil' Prices at Lil' Frankie's

If you know me, I watch Diners, Drive-ins and Drives like most watch their daily soap opera.  Living in the city, I am always looking for a great place to eat, that will not eat a hole in my wallet.  This past Friday, I met a friend down in the East Village at Lil' Frankie's, to catch up over some dinner and drinks.  I met my gal pal outside on the first unofficial night of summer at this hot spot.  The crowd spilled onto the sidewalk because they were waiting for a table.  This was an instant sign that this was going to be a good meal.  Although it looked as if we were going to have to wait awhile, we were actually seated only after a few minutes of waiting.  

Walking into this place, felt like I was stepping across the pond into a local hole in the wall in this hills of Italy.  The brick walls, low lighting, and cozy seating hugs you close as you enjoy your meal.  The wait staff is incredibly friendly and helpful with the menu.  As I studied the menu, I ordered my new favorite wine, a montepulciano.  No item on their menu is over $14.  My friend got a goat cheese pizza, with fresh arugula and eggplant.  I treated myself to homemade gnocchi, which was baked in the over with a seasonal tomato sauce.  It was incredibly light, and perfectly cooked; unlike some gnocchi I have had that rivals marble consistency.  This place is now at the top of my list of favorites.  So next time you are starving, in NYC, and want a cheap eat, head over to 1st and 1st for pizza and wine.  Just remember to bring some greenbacks, this place is cash only.  

 

Bankable Coffee

So my day doesn't start until I get my daily jolt of caffeine. I usually make tea or attempt to put up with the thicker than tar coffee my office provides. If I could have it my way, I would have a sugar free skim vanilla latte every morning. Even when I treat myself to a tall at Starbucks I feel guilty about spending almost $5 for a little pick me up. Well this morning I passed, what I thought was a bank, but ended up leaving with the perfect skinny sugar free vanilla latte. ING Direct has opened a cafe at the street level of their bank. They offer delicious drinks at an affordable price. With my usual order the milk tends to deflate by the time I open the cap to add some splenda. Well at my new favorite coffee place, the foam was so think, I was convinced it was marshmallow fluff, not milk. My latte with a flavor shot was only $3 and 16 ounces. This same beverage at another coffee house would have been pushing $5 with fifty cents for my sugar free flavor. Coffee and Iced tea is only $1. Go look between the couch cushions. I am sure you have enough change down there to support your habit for a whole week. Feel like cheating on your diet? Cookies are also a dollar and pastries are two. Walk into the deli next door and the price increases two fold. They also sell tea's and coffee from Peet's Coffee and Tea and LION Coffee. I was so excited when I saw this because I had been searching for Peet's Hibiscus C Blend. Trust me, its a delicious herbal tea. I even contemplated buying it online and paying shipping, which I hate. But it was fate that it was sitting in my new favorite cafe.

I bet you don't believe me that this coffee is as good, if not better than the artisan place down the block. Well here is a free beverage on ING. Pick any drink you think you would like. Get the fanciest coffee concoction you can think of. Also as you sip your joe, enjoy the free Internet. There are even free seminars from the art of tea to hand crafts. Feel inspired to save some dough for the future, you can talk to a representative. That's the purpose of this place. Get advice on your finances in a relaxed environment. These cafes stretch from sea to sea, and beyond into Hawaii. From Philly to LA sip your lattes and cappuccinos and laugh at those who dropped a small fortune to enjoy a bitter cup of reality.

Its Cinco De Mayo....

Go celebrate....read my old post about my favorite Mexican resturant in town.

Living the Life....On a Budget: 1 Tequila 2 Tequila $3 Margaritas

Ole!

Chomp on This

Since everyone has rediscovered how to use the stove in these hard economic times, restaurants are having trouble warming thier seats. So in an attempt to keep patrons interested, many dining hot spots across the country are offering deals to whet ones appetite. See where you can get some grub for a little less than the usual asking price. Daily Candy has scored some great deals for you to check out.

Los Angeles: I know my NYers are thinking cupcakes when they hear Magnolia, but this LA spot is known more for their baked macaroni and cheese rather than the red velvet cake. Now until May 5th enjoy 20% off your bill. Reservation required and make sure to mention this offer when booking. Make sure to present the Daily Candy Deal when it comes time to pay. This offer is valid only for parties of six or less at dinner until May 5th. Magnolia Downtown, 825 West Ninth Street, at Figueroa Street, Downtown 213-362-0880; Magnolia Hollywood, 6266½ Sunset Boulevard, between Vine Street and Argyle Avenue, Hollywood 323-467-0660.
San Fransisco: I am sure you have something to toast, a promotion, engagement, the warm spring air. So why don't you do it at The Ambassador where you will recieve 50% off all bottles of Champagne and appetizers. To redeem, mention DailyCandy in-store until May 5th. 673 Geary Street, at Leavenworth Street 415-563-8192
Chicago: Sometimes you just want to enjoy the fresh air with a couple of drinks and some tapas with good friends. Grab your girls and head over to Tapas Valencia for sangriatinis and tasty small plates. Get $15 off a bill of $40 or more when you present the Daily Candy email until May 5th. 1530 South State Street, between 15th and 16th Streets 312-842-4444

Free and Cheap Food for Good Causes

Check out these links:

50 cent iced coffee: https://www.dunkindonuts.com/icedcoffeeday/

Free Cone Day at Ben & Jerry's: http://www.benjerry.com/scoop-shops/feature/free-cone-day/

Filet Mignon for Hamburger Prices

I have been dying to go to Salt down in SoHo, since I first read about it on either Daily Candy or some review online, but when I went to Menu Pages, I figured I would save my visit for a special occasion.  Then miraculously my friend told me about this great special running on Restaurants.com where I can patronize eateries I have been savoring over for months.  The website is selling gift certificates to your favorite restaurants for a fraction of the value on the.  For only $5 you can get a gift certificate worth $25.  This is basically getting $20 worth of food for free.  However, most of the deals are $25 certificates for only $10.  This is still an amazing deal.  I went through all the places in my area participating in this program, and the places run the gamut from pizza joints, to romantic date spots.  In the mood for Indian tonight, but know you want Tacos tomorrow?  The cuisines offered will satisfy anyone's palette.  There are some stipulations such as can only be used for dining in or only during the week.  

This is a special promotion of the month of April.  However it does not mean you have to use the gift certificates during this month.  So guys if you have a big anniversary coming up in Ju

ne, impress your lady with a candle lit dinner at the most romantic place in town.  Ladies, you know your man will forget that the big 10 year anniversary is coming this June.  Drop some hints, and send him the link to Restaurants.com.  I will hopefully get some girlfriends together who want to hit up Salt.  Their seasonal menu looks amazing.  There were also a ton of places I frequent on a reg

ular basis, so I might as well keep some gift certificates on the back burner for when I eat there.  I might just treat myself to desert that night.  It will basically be free, guilt free too.  

Big Easy on the Wallet

After my trip to New Orleans a few weeks ago, I still have the taste of dinner at Boucherie on my lips. My friend who I was visiting had heard great things about this place. He heard the food was on par with some of NYC’s best restaurants, but had the price tag of Chili’s. Fresh off the plane from New York, I needed to enjoy this meal on the time-honored porch in the night’s spring air. The inside of this traditional New Orleans home has plenty of tables to seat you at.

Our adorable waitress greeted us and uncorked the bottle of wine we brought; the night was off to a good start. Sipping the red wine we studied the menu having a hard time deciding what to order. There were too many options for us to pick. For appetizers we settled on traditional dishes from New Orleans. We had the Blackened Shrimp and Grit Cake with Warm House Made Fudge Farms Bacon Vinaigrette ($8) and Boudin Balls with a Garlic Aioli ($5). This was my first experience with Boudin and wasn’t my last of the trip. The first explosion of flavor was with the appetizers, but did not end until the check was paid. Then for our second course I ordered Smoked Black Angus Beef Brisket with Garlicky Parmesan Fries ($13). The brisket I am used to from back home is of a different origin, which my mother cooks to perfection, but this dish was an intense experience. The fries had the right amount of garlic; not too much that I needed to inhale altoids. Anticipating dessert I left a bit over, which my friend swooped in to clean my plate. He started his entrée with Pulled Pork Cake with Potato Confit and Purple Cabbage Cole Slaw ($12) which was far better than our other pulled pork experiences. The crisp slaw was the perfect compliment to the pork. For both dishes the meat was tender, while melting in your mouth. To cap the evening off we finished with House Made Fudge Farms Bacon Brownie ($5) and Krispy Kreme Bread Pudding ($5). Not the biggest donut coinsure I was skeptical about this dish, but it was the perfect desert. It tasted like warm French toast with maple syrup. While the brownie’s concept was interesting, the bacon added the perfect amount of smoke to the chocolate flavor to set it apart from the Betty Crocker mix you make at home.

This dining experience is one that I will remember for a while. The food was absolutely incredible and ridiculously affordable. My 3-course meal was under $30 with tip. I have no idea where else you could have gotten such a great meal for such a low price. The presentation was beautiful, the staff was incredibly friendly and the food was out of this world. So next time you are in New Orleans, put your drink down and pull yourself away from Bourbon St and head to this uptown restaurant for a memorable meal.

Not From Condensed

Winter seems to be coming to an end? That’s what us North Easterners thought last week when we turned the calendar over to March. Then we got slammed with the biggest snow storm of the season. I got let out of work early and all I wanted was a steaming cup of soup to sip on as I caught up on Oprah and soap operas. I could have called the Chinese place down the street to deliver me some hot and sour soup for the 2nd night in a row, but feeling like Miranda was not the confidence boost I was looking for.

Then I was reading my bible Daily Candy and they had featured a great soup place. Trouble was this soup shack was 3,000 miles away in Seattle. So now I am employing all my Seattle readers to go out and try Lect’s Soup Stop (http://lectssoupstop.com/) and tell me what I am missing. Lect’s serves two fresh varieties of soup every day; everything is local, natural ingredients and never made from that condensed nastiness. Stop in next Tuesday for Georgetown Beer Broccoli Bacon Cheddar or Friday for this original chowder Smoked Salmon Chowder. For just a fiver, you get a pint of soup to warm your soul, with some bread for dunking. Not only do you fill up on fresh ingredients, profits from your tasty lunch go to city charities. Now you don't have to feel guilty about chowing down. Head over to 5327 Denver Avenue South, to stock up on some soup before the March madness of snow creeps up on Seattle.

1 Tequila 2 Tequila $3 Margaritas

NYC maybe the most expensive city in America, but I have found a way to drown my sorrows in a $3 margarita. Sometimes you just need to forget that a turkey sandwich may run upwards of $12. This is where Blockheads plays a pivitol role in my life as a city girl. It is always happy hour at this city joint. The margaritas are fresh, flowing and strong and always $3. A round trip on mass transit costs more.

When you think constant drink special, you assume dive bar and seedy crowd. But remember what happens when you assume! I have been to 2 Blockheads in the city and both were warm, inviting dining establishments. The wait staff is pleasant and attentive. My chip bowl and margarita was never empty. The food is delicious as well. I ordered a burrito that could feed a small family. The ingredients were all evenly spaced. Each bite was a mouthful of beans, rice, chicken and cheese. My friend's quesadilla was picture perfect made with the freshest ingredients like roasted red peppers and firm black beans. It was a struggle to finish our meals. We left our meal satisfied and a bit buzzed. It was a pleasant dinning experience and I will be returning often. There are Blockheads dotting all corners of the city. So whenever the urge to sit back with a fresh marg hits you know you are not too far from your local neighborhood Blockheads. One more margarita and I would have hit the floor.