Our obsession with Freemans is truly an Immaculate Infatuation. The worn wooden frame, the taxidermy on the walls, and the beards and flannel employee dress code give this old New York style spot a very hip, yet very Vermont vibe. When this place first opened, it was everyone’s best kept secret, but in recent years Freemans has completely blown up. Since Freemans doesn’t take reservations for parties less than six, prepare yourself to go across the alley to Lorely and have a couple of drinks before you’re awarded your table. While the waits are usually quite long (we’re talking hours during prime-time), if you’re committed, it’s well worth it. Everything on the menu is good and priced right. As long as you’re willing to make a night of it, whether you’re taking out a significant other or just looking for a solid place to go with your friends, Freemans is a slam dunk. Thankfully, new chef Michael Citarella has left former chef Jean Adamson’s signature dishes on the menu virtually untouched. Thus, for those who are were used to the artichoke dip into steak filet dinner setup, it’s still the main attraction. Also, in addition to dinner, the brunch is legit, though a little expensive. If you happen to find yourself at Freemans on a Sunday afternoon, we suggest you check out the brisket and eggs dish, which is out of this world.
L’Artusi can officially go on our list of favorite restaurants in this town. A few things stand out as qualifications for such an honor – outstanding and consistent food, great service, good music, and some ancillary entertainment since we can’t sit still. Let’s address each individually. L’Artusi is the sister restaurant to Dell’anima, and it’s the larger, louder sister for sure. The cuisine is Italian, and it’s the kind of Italian cooking that’s not afraid to go heavy on big flavors like garlic, lemon, olives, chiles, and fat to win your favor. Not that it’s unrefined – these are some of the most well thought out and beautiful plates we’ve had the pleasure of eating at an indecent pace. The service is fantastic, from the hosts to the bartenders to the guy getting crazy at the cheese counter. Music get’s an A+ with Santogold and Kid Cudi in the mix on current and upbeat playlists. As for entertainment, that comes in the form of excellent people watching. There is always a good mix of dates in various stages of progression, generally hot people, and a celebrity here and there to pretend you don’t notice. Not to mention one night when some dude spent three minutes violently pounding on the bathroom door that he couldn’t push his way out of, despite the massive “pull please” directly in front of his face. Yes, L’Artusi gets a ridiculously high rating, but we stand by it. It hits all the Immaculate Infatuation erogenous zones, and the roasted mushroom dish alone is worth a boatload of points.
There are a lot of haters out there these days who claim Nobu sold out by opening a 57th St. Midtown outpost. They say Nobu is old news, that it’s not as good as it once was, that the service isn’t amazing, and that it’s way overpriced. Don’t be fooled people. I say the naysayers are just pissed because they lost their jobs and are poorly channeling their life’s frustrations. Hands down, Nobu is the best upscale Japanese restaurant in New York City, and Immaculate Infatuation will back that statement until another restaurant as ridiculous as Nobu proves otherwise.
Infatuation’s recent trip to the royal fish house reaffirms our belief that Nobu is still the cream of the crop. Now, unless you’re with someone who really understands the menu and can place a proper fish order, the different priced tiers of the omakase (chef’s choice) tasting menu are the way to go. As I’m sure you know, Nobu isn’t cheap, so unless you’re rolling in dough, it’s a place saved for special occasions. Just promise us that when those occasions arise, you make the most of your trip. So, don’t go on the cheap and only order a couple dishes. Rather, go big or go home! Do yourself a favor and experience the full spectrum of what Nobu is all about, because you’re probably not going to be back for a while.
Upon entering Commerce the urge to start drinking immediately fell over me. Probably because the last time I was in this space it was the legendary NYC watering hole Grange Hall. Plus, maneuvering through the labyrinth of these West Village streets will drive even those blessed with a keen sense of direction to head straight for the bar. Commerce was warm and welcoming; we were seated within ten minutes and found the service to be spot on. The dark walnut tables, cozy throwback booths, and murals decorating the walls work to restore this classic venue. Upscale American comfort food plays very well off the decor and prompts an obvious comparison to a less hip, more authentic, west side Freeman’s.
Café Habana is the coolest eatery in NYC. What’s the secret behind their permanent 30 to 45 minute wait and constant mob of people hanging out in front? It’s the crack they put on top of their Mexican style grilled corn of course. Once you’ve dabbled in it, it’s nearly impossible to not come back for more. Situated on an ideal corner in the heart of Soho, Café Habana is the big ticket. People come from far and wide to witness greatness at work. They cram themselves into the tiniest spaces, literally sitting on top of strangers next to them. Comfort is not something Habana achieves in the traditional sense; it’s something they achieve through their food. Their menu is straight up dirty (in a good way). Everything is cheap. Everything hits the spot.
Giveaway: Dinner On Us
