Moving on... foodnfestivities.com

Hey everyone,

I want to thank you all for your support and taking the time to read my blog! This isn't goodbye, it's only "see you later." The website for "Food 'n' Festivities. No BS." is completed and from now on, all written reviews, pictures, and video blogs can be found on that page. I'll be featuring guest bloggers speaking about their favorite spots around the New York area.

So come check out the new page! I promise you won't be disappointed... and if you are, well, sorry I'm not sorry!

Love is in the air ;)
John DeMartino
www.foodnfestivities.com

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A Young Man's Defeat - Schnitzel & Things

In a collection of German events, I experienced some of the best short-order schnitzel in NYC. My eyes were instantly drawn towards the small establishment, Schnitzel & Things. Like the Allies of World War I, I formed an allegiance amongst my emotions to contest the lure of the Central Powers, headed by this German juggernaut. The smell was irresistible and the uncertainty of what could be behind those doors enclosing this glorious smell was overpowering. I decided to fight for the hunger of my stomach and fundamentally declared war on this place.

In the first battle for stomach-gratification, I attacked the menu like a brave solider on the front line. Inquisitive examination and multiple inquiries regarding the various choices and combinations led to the finalized decision. Within minutes, Germany’s most notable structure, the Berlin Wall was constructed on my Styrofoam platter.A golden brown, generously portioned thin cutlet of pork schnitzel, accompanied with 3 sides –the house potato salad (potatoes, beets, eggs, mayo), polenta (cornmeal with caramelized onions) and spatzle (German-style egg noodles with butter and onions).

With the war of decision-making concluded, World War II was then underway. Like the Allies of this worldly battle, I vigorously formed an allegiance with a side of Spicy SrirachaMayo to assist in taking down this superpower. All three sides were loaded with flavor and complemented the taste of the schnitzel greatly. The bondbetween the spicy mayo and me was ambitious, leaving the opposition blindsided. What was once dividing me from this platter of goodness was now just a mere afterthought, leading to the fall of this “Berlin Wall.” I woofed through the plate and tossed the container with no regard. World War III is imminent.

Schnitzel & Things is located at 723 3^rd Ave (between 45^th and 46^th). They also have their well-known truck which tours the city and lands in a various spot each day, making the obtaining of schnitzel even quicker and easier. Check out the website weekly for locations! - http://schnitzelandthings.com/.

 

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The Bulgarian Experience of a Lifetime! - Mehanata, The Bulgarian Bar

In all truthfulness, I don’t have any idea where Bulgaria is on a map, but if it’s anything like Mehanata, I would drop my drawers and streak down 3rd Ave for free room and board. Mehanata is a Bulgarian bar… scratch that… Mehanata is a Bulgarian goddess land where little boys become men, girls become women, and Americans realize our culture is boring as $h*t. In one small establishment, you can smoke hookah, dangle from a stripper pole, sway on a sex swing, watch live music, and dress like a soviet while drinking vodka out of chilled, ice shot-glasses!

This is one of my favorite spots in the city by far. I initially came for a birthday party almost 4 years ago on a suggestion from a friend of mine. This place has 3 levels, all consisting of various bizarre pieces to this Bulgarian puzzle. The main floor has a small stage where you can catch live music on the weekends – never anything but odd-to-the-ears music. You’ll also find the sex swings I mentioned (no, there is no sex going on) and a cultured crowd of people swarming the bar. Tables are also available to chill out with small groups of people on this level.

Head upstairs and you’ll find mainly private parties and an area that’s a bit quieter, although if there’s a band, you’ll have your socks rocked off no matter where you go. Grab a drink at the top floor bar and get the hell off this level… I’m bored already.

We’re heading down to the basement now. You’re pumped up, you’re feeling good, and nobody can stop you! Bright, neon blue lights illuminate this lower-level wonderland. Another bar right when you walk down provides drinks to inebriated girls and guys. On the side of the bar is where you’ll find the main alcohol source – Mehanata’s Vodka Room. For $20, join your friends and maybe a few strangers in this 2 minute drinking escapade. The bartender will strap you up in soviet gear, arm you with the one weapon that matters most – a frozen shot glass made of ice, and send you on your way into battle with numerous choices of vodka. Pound as many shots as you can in the 2 minute time limit and then work your way over to the dance floor. You’re now dancing to music you’ve never heard before in your life, you feel loose and limber like you may just grab a Bulgarian bombshell off one of the gypsy poles surrounding you. A friend of yours calls out “Hey, come over here!”

You take a drag out of an assortment of flavored hookah and start giggling like a middle-school student at the 6th grade dance. 

This is the experience you get when you come here.

If you’re going to do it, do it right and come with friends. Lots of them. Plan to go between Thursday – Saturday from 8pm-4am because that’s when they’re open. The bathrooms have a nice treat for the guys too. Sorry, but I’m going to ruin it right now with pictures for all the women that will never get to see this. See below:

Yes this place is absolutely the weirdest you can find, but I promise you’ll love it.

http://mehanata.com/

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Das Boot You on Your Ass!

That’s some mighty sausage! Down on Grove St. in Greenwich Village, you can find the closest thing to Epcot’s Disney World version of Germany by visiting Lederhosen (http://www.lederhosennyc.com/).This adult-German-playground is filled with “das boot” beers, great authentic German service (that’s partially sarcasm), and awesome eats!

In my experience revisiting this place, consistency stayed true to the first encounter. The staff was still as German as ever, the “Lederhosen Party Platter” provided me with the big, juicy, succulent sausages I was seeking for the night, and the beers were cold, crisp, and delicious. In an uninspired drinking move, I went with a liter of Radeberger Pilsner instead of getting “das boot” – 2 liters of the beer of your choice. This moderately hoppy beer, which had a slight bitterness, was liquid gold. For grub, I went with Lederhosen’s party platter - a combination of 5 different grilled sausages, including knackwurst, bratwurst, weisswurst, bauernwurst, and currywurst, topped with a few slices of what seemed to be Italian bread, and a 3-way combination of sauces for dipping. Yowzer! The sauce is still a bit of a mystery to me. Two of the ingredients included a curry dipping sauce and spicy brown mustard, but the last part is unknown.

Lederhosen Party Platter

If you’re looking for an authentic German experience or want to try and re-create a scene from Beer Fest with a few of your buddies, get to this place. If it’s your first time, get the 2 liter boot. The hot pretzels ($3) are spot-on for soaking up some of that beer you’ll consume and the sausages or schnitzel are guaranteed to fill you up and send you out gassy. Prost!

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50 Shades of… Video Blogging

With sweat dripping down his face, neck, and arms… My friend continued to film all the necessary shots in the midst of the sweltering heat. As I’ve mentioned to some of you, I will be adding video blogs into my arsenal of depicting all the best eateries and venues around New York City. On top of the written reviews and random posts, expect to see a video per week, probably within the next week or so.

The first video blog is going to be an introduction/recap of what’s been reviewed so far and what you can expect from Food ‘n’ Festivities. No BS. Although this will be a production of my own and the writing/content will be filtered from this peanut-sized head God provided me with, I must mention that my two buddies are going to play a big part in helping with the video blogs. Matt Brousseau, the friend I’ve known longest in this lifetime who has been a cameraman for a local news station for over 6 years, will be handling all the camera-work. Another very close friend of mine, Marc Williams, who has a background in video production, directing, writing, and editing, will be assisting in the overall production value of what the world gets to see.

With the first filming experience being this past Thursday in the midst of the heat-wave, we began our video blogging journey. Here’s the mental image you need:

- Me running around the city to each and every eatery, like a kid circling the Christmas tree on Christmas morning wanting to open every damn gift all at the same time.

- Matt, the mother, trailing behind me carrying the newborn child (his camera), trying to gather all the best possible shots and make sure everything is organized.

- Marc, the “take a backseat approach” father, carrying all the bags for the family, sweating profusely, throwing in his two-cents when needed, wishing the day was over already.

It was eventful to say the least, and even though trying to get all the essential shots while retaining daylight was stressful, we made the best of it. I’m very happy with the footage we gathered and I know all of you will be too. I’m looking forward to doing it again next week!

Midtown Superhero! - Crave Sandwiches

Like the New York City subway manages to pack people into their train-cars,Crave Sandwiches (http://crave-sandwiches.com) manages to stuff fresh meats and delectable toppings between two slices of thick, freshly baked bread on a daily basis. Located in the heart of Midtown on 6^th Avenear the corner of 43^rd St, Crave is a much accepted addition to an area which was in dire need of a good lunch spot.

My first experience at Crave was like the first time I crossed the street without guidance. Although this wasn’t the first sandwich I was ever going to consume (like that street wasn’t really the first street I was going to cross by my lonesome), it sure as hell felt like an invigorating experience! I was first blown away by the cleanliness of this place. For an establishment that not only has crumbs flying from the sandwich station and airborne vegetables from the salad station, this place was in shipshape. Not to mention all the employees were looking as put-together as a Louis Vuitton mannequin. Now I know, what’s so special about a place in Midtown that can toss salads, concoct sandwiches, serve up a cup of coffee, and kick you to the streets with a tasty dessert in your hand? Typically nothing, but Crave does it in a fashion that makes you want to come back for more.

In my encounter, I had the “Eight Wonder” – ham, turkey, salami, roast beef, American cheese, Swiss cheese, cherry peppers, lettuce, tomato, onion, brown mustard, and mayo all served up on an XL-sized hero for only $9. The price is average compared to other delis in the area, but even the plumpest man or curviest woman could turn this thing into two meals. In an amateur move on my part, I ordered a sandwich that was served up on the traditional Italian bread. Although I was more than pleased with the quality, make sure you get a sandwich that is made on their freshly baked bread. Like a heavy loaf pulled straight from mom’s oven, this place slices 2 one-inch-thick pieces of bread (rye, wheat, or sourdough) for the remaining sandwiches on the menu.

If you work in Midtown, make this one of your regular lunch spots. On my cold, hard scale from 1-10, 10 being a sighting of your favorite superHERO, I give this place a 9. Get there!

To take a look at their menu, click here: http://www.menupages.com/restaurants/crave-sandwiches/menu

"Eight Wonder"

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Eat What Ya Mama Gave Ya - Mom's Cooking

Envision this: It’s cold and rainy, possibly even a slight mixture of snow and hail. You wake up out of a dead sleep after you’ve been wrapped up tight in your blanket all night. You pull your head out from that pillow-sandwich you’ve created, wipe the drool off your mouth, and then take a glance at the clock. Guess what time it is. Get the hell up and go to work… again! You go out in the frigid cold and trek your way to work. You arrive. You’re sitting at your desk, counting those endless hours until your lunch break. After what seems like a lifetime of waiting, it’s time for that magnificent 30-60 minute mini-vacation you’re about to create for yourself. But wait, you have to face that cold weather again. You want something to warm you up, possibly a home-cooked meal. Here’s your solution – Mom’s Cooking, located in Greenwich Village on 8^th St. between University Pl. & Greene St. This petite, pantry-sized re-creation of an old fashioned kitchen is made to make you feel right at home. With offerings like soups, stews, salads, and sandwiches, you’re sure to find a belly-warmer that will suit your needs.

Daily Specials

I’ve only been to this place once, but my experience here was a positive one. I wasn’t blown away by the décor or even the salad/sandwich selection, but the service and the choices among the stews and soups is not to be reckoned with. I came in lost, not having a damn clue as to what to order or even how to order it. The woman working there was very attentive and practically described every stew they had that day. After about 7 minutes of debate, I decided on the Indian-inspired stew, “Chicken Tikka Masala.” They were out. So I went with my backup choice - “Black Bean Turkey Chili” served over brown rice. I wasn’t disappointed. The chili lacked in spice, but maintained a good flavor overall. The portion size was generous to say the least (I was able to make two meals out of it), and for only $8. My visit here felt justified.

Best bet is to come here if you’re doing takeout. There are only a couple of tables, and although it’s quite appealing to sit-down in a place that makes you feel like you’re home, odds are you won’t get a table during peak hours. Things to note about Mom’s Cooking – All their items change on a daily basis (once they run out, that’s it for the day), all dishes are free of transfat, msg, and preservatives, and just as an added little guilty pleasure, you get a free piece of warm, freshly baked bread with every dish.

Black Bean Turkey Chili

On my scale of 1-10, 10 being “Ohhhh mom, I want to hug you right now,” I give this joint a 7.5. You’ll get solid food at a solid price, but don’t expect to have your winter coat blown off you in food-tasting-astonishment.

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I’ll Have Another… BBQ Feast, that is – Hill Country Barbeque Market

There may not be a Triple Crown winner this year, but if you’re looking to kick off this Belmont weekend with some hardcore, belly-bombing grub, you need to saddle up and get to Hill Country Barbeque Market (http://www.hillcountryny.com/). This Central Texas inspired “marketplace” has all the meaty essentials needed to make a fat man happy and a dainty woman feel threatened. All the meats are seasoned with a dry-rub and cooked on the premises in their custom meat-smoking room.

I recently went to Hill Country for the second time in my life. The first time was almost 2 years ago and I was probably a few too many Longhorns deep to remember the succulent flavors I was able to actually enjoy and experience this time around. Upon walking in, you’ll have a choice to sit at a table, take-out, or chill by the bar and eat/drink at their standing-room tables. Whether you’re sitting in the dining area or not, you pretty much do all the work yourself. You’ll be given a small menu (probably the size of your iPhone or Android) and this fun-sized pamphlet will be your guide to barbeque ecstasy.

Step 1 – Go to the counter and order your meat. This isn’t like going to a butcher or your local grocery store for cold-cuts. This area is loaded with all their fresh meats and on Tuesdays when they roast a whole hog, you’ll get a chance to see it firsthand and have some meat freshly sliced off that little Miss Piggy. Order a combination or purchase a variety of meats individually (which are charged by weight). My suggestion for first time visitors, do the “Pitmaster.” - $25, enough food for two people, and you get a good helping of almost everything they have to offer. I’m not trying to push you in any particular direction, but seriously, get the brisket! In the words of Antoine Dodson, “You are dumb, you are really, really dumb”… if you don’t try their brisket and/or prime rib.

Step 2 – Grab some side dishes. Suggestions would be the “Green Bean Cassarole w/ Durkee Onions” and the “Longhorn Mac n Cheese.” The casserole is creamy and delicious with a nice added crunch from the onions, while the mac n cheese is made with penne pasta, also creamy, but has a layer of melted cheeses over the top.  

This place is 2 floors and amasses to over 11,000 sq feet. There’s a stage downstairs where bands (mostly country-inspired) perform and karaoke takes place on Tuesday nights. Monday is All-You-Can-Eat for only $25 between the hours of 5pm-10pm, where you can have unlimited brisket, chicken, spare ribs, and sides. The beer selection is superb with local Texan beers available. And if you’re not stuffed already just talking about it, save room for a peanut butter & jelly cupcake for dessert!

Count your YEEHAWWWS all the way to the Flatiron District and stop in – located on 26^th St. between Broadway and 6^th Ave. On my scale of 1-10, 10 being a performance by John Wayne in one of his classic westerns, I give this rip-roarin’ place a 9.5!

John DeMartino III - http://about.me/johndemartino3

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What did the Hand say to the Face? S’MAC!

It’s not every day that you get knocked on your ass by a handful of scrumptiousness, but on this beautiful HAPPY FRIDAY, I was toppled over with a skillet of flavor. Indulging in the goodness of a glutinous meal, I had the Buffalo Chicken Mac ‘n’ Cheese from one of my favorite spots in the city, S’MAC (http://www.smacnyc.com). This quaint, but incredibly large at heart place is located on 12^th St. between 1^st and 2^nd Ave. slightly off the beaten path in the East Village. You could easily, or could have easily, passed by without even noticing. The block is lined with low-hanging trees and across the street is the chaos of a high school which could pull your attention away from this little treasure which is hidden behind a small blockade of shrubbery.

Assuming you find the place, first order of business is to pick a style of mac ‘n’ cheese that you want. From choices like the “Buffalo Chicken,” “Cheeseburger” - American and cheddar cheeses combined with seasoned ground beef, “Mediterranean” -   goat cheese, sautéed spinach, kalamata olives, and roasted garlic, and the “Napoletana” - fresh mozzarella, roasted tomatoes, roasted garlic, and fresh basil, you’ll surely have an elite selection to choose from. Once you've got that figured out, now pick what size skillet you want your food to come in. The same skillet they cook it in, is the same skillet it’s served to you in. From smallest to largest, typically people go with the “Nosh” size if you’re looking to be satisfied and the “Major Munch” if you are seeking a food-coma. They’ll give you a number and in 5-10 minutes, your food will be brought out to you. With a crispy baked top and a creamy delicious layer of excellence underneath, go to town and thank me later for the recommendation.

Key notes about this place – You’ll be offered breadcrumbs on every order of mac ‘n’ cheese. If you like a crispier top, have this added on at no additional cost. If you can’t quite finish you meal, all the necessities to pack your food to go (containers, bags, plastic forks, etc) are located next to the register. And last, but not least, if you’re looking to make your choice slightly healthier, get the multi-grain or gluten-free pasta.

This is by far one of the best places you can get mac ‘n’ cheese, and not only in New York City.  On my cold, hard scale from 1-10, 10 being a huge S’MAC in the jaw, this place is a solid 10! The perfect score doesn’t come often, but when you’ve never had a bad experience somewhere and consistently get quality food for a good price, you earn the grade. Great job!

John DeMartino III - http://about.me/johndemartino3

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Around and Around they Go, Where it stops…

Kips Bay, NYC

In my world of make-believe, cream isn’t fattening, pizza grows on trees, and sushi comes to me on a conveyor belt. Ok, so maybe the first two things are slightly absurd, but the sushi thing is real. Over the past year, one of my favorite spots to get good sushi with practically no waiting time is East Japanese Restaurant. This gem is located in the northern part of Kips Bay on 3^rd ave. between 26^th and 27^th. If you like sushi and you want it in variety without having to donate a kidney to compensate for it, grab a seat at this merry-go-round of Japanese cuisine.  

The place is slightly small, but they’re extremely efficient with making sure you’re sat quickly. Upon walking in, there is a small bar on the left with all the typical liquors and bottled beers. Directly in front of you are a handful of booths so if you come in a party bigger than 2, you can be accommodated. If you plan on coming with more than 4 people though, odds are they won’t be able to seat you together. The remainder of the seating takes place around the sushi bar. The tobiko flies as two sushi chefs pound out salmon/avocado rolls, shrimp tempura rolls, dragon rolls, and all that other good stuff we love to consume.  With the choice of picking off the conveyor belt or ordering from a full menu of Japanese fare, unquestionably, you need to try their sushi for your first dining experience. You may be thinking, “Sushi on a conveyor belt? Isn’t that unsanitary?” Not here. All their plates are enclosed by plastic covers so you can see what you’re picking up without getting your germs all over the food.

 Each plate is a different price and it’s essentially based on the quality of the fish, the amount of pieces on the plate, and the size of the rolls that you’re picking up. With plates ranging anywhere from $1.50 for 3 pieces of a typical spicy salmon roll up to $6.50 for what would be the equivalent of a Volcano roll, a typical meal can run you anywhere from $10-$25/person.

The service is great and the waiters are very attentive (half because they’re good at what they do and also because they want to get you the hell out). Your water glass will never go empty, your eating area will consistently be cleaned off, and the check will come without time to waste when you’re ready for it!

My recommendation, try the Wasabi Tobiko roll. These come served on the green plates which go for $2.25 each. You get two pieces of this deliciousness and each one is guaranteed to clear your sinuses. Prepare to cry tears of joy after trying this place and if there’s room in that belly to belch out some tunes, take a walk upstairs to their karaoke area.

Notes about this place: They have a live DJ on the weekends at night. If you go on Wednesdays, they offer over 15 different types of rolls on their white plates which are only $1.50.

On my scale of 1-10, 10 being a perfect wacky Wednesday filled with wasabi and sake, I give this place a 9! Get there… ASAP!

John DeMartino III - http://about.me/johndemartino3

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Wam! Bam!… May I have another? :-) -- The Bayou of North Bellmore, Long Island

3 words – Hot Damnnnnn (I’m counting “damn” as 2 words due to the increased amount of “n’s” needed to portray the emphasis I was seeking to express). Looking at this place from the outside and even those first 20-40 steps after you walk in, this place can be confused for a serious dump. The bar area is decorated with cheesy confetti and Mardi Gras items that look like they purchased at a garage sale. The dining area is a poorly disguised seating area from when this place was probably a hoppin’ Irish pub back in the 80’s. Hell, even their website (http://www.bayou4bigfun.com/) looks like my 2 year old niece put this thing together… in her sleep… with a crayon. Now mama always said, don’t judge a book by its cover… and no joke, this place is not to be messed with!

I’ve been to New Orleans before and I like to credit myself with having a good idea of what southern style, New Orleans-inspired food should taste like. I’ve messed around with some of the best crawfish, gumbo, etouffee, and jambalaya you can have. The Bayou seriously competes with the BEST OF THE BEST for New Orleans style cuisine.

I tried this place out with a good buddy of mine. Both of us were pretty damn hungry, so we ate and drank like we were going to the electric chair. We kicked it off with a couple of Hurricane drinks which were recommended to us by the waitress – a combination of 4 rums and juices over ice in a signature Bayou glass. Very good and very strong. For appetizer, we had the crawfish tempura which is topped with their “red hot mayo.” This was a solid appetizer to get us going, but not their best work. My friend then had a cup of the gumbo soup which was probably the best I’ve ever tasted. Big chunks of meat with bell peppers, onions, and great seasonings… YUM! For the entrees, he got the “Uptown Etouffee” with shrimp and I got the “Blackened Voodoo” (also with shrimp). My classic line when speaking to the waiter or waitress when I’m looking to get something spicy is, “I want it hot enough where my asshole burns.” Now I know this is not proper dialogue to share with the public, but this place took me seriously. My tremendously tasty blackened shrimp, which was a meal in itself, were placed over a full dish of jambalaya which had shrimp, chicken, and sausage in it (another full meal). On top of that… a full habanero pepper. I enjoyed every single bite of this dish, down to the habanero pepper, which I also managed to engulf. With tears in my eyes and sweat dripping down my forehead, I’m pretty sure I high-fived my friend.

A lineup of drinks, including the "Hurricane" (far left)

Get to this place if you live in the area and have a fairly priced, but very good meal. Don’t go for the ambiance or expecting to impress a date, but go with the intentions of having a solid meal and feeling completely satisfied when you walk out of there. On my scale of 1-10, 10 being HOLY HABANERO status, I give this place an 8. Points lost on the scenery and corny decorations, but very good food and great service!      

 

"Uptown Shrimp Etouffee"

John DeMartino III

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Beach, Beer, and Unicorns

What’s one place you can play ping-pong, life-size chess, have an arm wrestling contest, eat a good meal that’s accompanied with a delicious foreign beer, all while laying on the beach, in the middle of New York City? If you actually have an answer for this question right now, you and I need to speak directly. I never thought a spot like this was possible, but all this goodness and fun is packed into the Beekman Beer Garden Beach Club (http://www.beekmanbeergarden.com/) right near South St. Seaport in Manhattan.

I walked in and a smile instantly came to my face. The entrance area is completely covered by a huge tent, possibly 1/3 of the size of a football field. Under the “tent area” you can grab a burger and fries (or other finger foods) and help yourself to hard or soft drinks at the bar. With cafeteria style seating, nobody is a stranger and everyone is warm and welcoming to have you sit down. After you chow down on those delicious munchies, take a walk to the wild side of this place. Beyond the tent is an area that is created to be exactly like a beach! Sand, fire pits, good music, and good people all while being surrounded by water. Whether you want to relax with a brew and have good conversation with your friends or knock some sand in people’s eyes while cuttin’ a rug on the sandy dance floor, this place is great for both. Everything from young kids to old farts, this place packs in a complete mix of ages and ethnicities. If you’re with the kids, a lost tourist in the heart of the downtown area, or maybe just spending the day with that nagging wife/husband, come anyway - the panoramic views alone are worth making the trip!  

On my rating scale of 1-10, 10 being the chilliest, coolest place on earth… this place is an 8. Definitely an awesome experience at least once!

Also, check out their events page – they run different shows, festivals, and eating-inspired days pretty much on a weekly basis - http://www.beekmanbeergarden.com/event.php

John DeMartino III

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