Alaina’s Awesome Adventure…Featuring Weezer, a yappy dog, zitty teens, and a big ass hole in the ground
Its been almost a month since my last blog entry, and with good reason — I have been super busy — I was flitting about the West Coast for a few weeks, and recently I have been flitting all about New York City.
At any rate, I’m sad to report that summer is officially over, although apparently someone didn’t get the memo since its hot as you know what around here. So below I’m going to relive my final days of summer….
Beverly Hills (or rather West Hollywood)…That’s Where I Wanna Be…
Weezer was all about it, and I can see why. The last time I was in Los Angeles, we stayed slightly outside of the city in South Gate. I’m a New York City girl and I’m not used to driving at all, much less driving in traffic. The constant driving back and forth trying to see everything, and the driving from downtown to the West Side, to South Gate and back again kind of wore me down. I was pretty anti Los Angeles after that. But this time I stayed in West Hollywood, and did barely any driving (except when Juanny and I went to Santa Barbara — more details later)… I’m seeing L.A. in a totally different light. I’m busy concocting copious plans to move there.
'Tis the Season Pancakes from The Griddle
My visit consisted of the basics: eating enormous pancakes at the Griddle (7916 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA), beaching in Santa Monica (I don’t care what people from L.A. say, I love the beach, and the sun came out for our visit), and hanging out at Barney’s Beanery (8447 Santa Monica Blvd., West Hollywood, CA), the Abbey (692 N. Robertson Blvd., West Hollywood, CA), and St. Nick’s Pub (8450 West 3rd Street, Lost Angeles, CA).
Gardens at Old Mission Santa Barbara. (c) Juan Valles, 2009.
Vineyards. (c) Juan Valles, 2009.
On my last day in town, Juanny and I drove up to Santa Barbara and we explored the Old Mission. There’s just something amazing about Old Santa Barbara. I love the Spanish architecture, and I adore how its nestled in the middle of the Santa Ynez Valley’s wine country. Juanny and I ended up the day by going to two wineries – the Gainey Winery (3950 E. Highway 246, Santa Ynez, CA), where I got a fantastic 2007 Riesling, and the Melville Winery in Lompoc, CA (5185 E. Highway 246, Lompoc, CA), where I got a special reserve Pinot Noir also bottled in 2007. We attempted to go to a third, but they had already closed for the day. Truly, its for the best. I am an extreme lightweight, and I would have been spitting my wine out anyway as I was driving home.
On the way home we stopped at what Juan calls the “most cloyingly cute town in the world”….Solvang, CA. Its an old Danish town that is now an awful tourist trap. I’d maybe feel better about it if it were a real working town instead of something that people just went to for touristy purposes. But because nobody actually lives there, I feel like it lacks authenticity.
Solvang Post Office. (c) Juan Valles, 2009.
To all of you Angelenos out there — Eunice, Eunice’s friend Dan, and Juanny and I had dinner at this amazing tapas style Italian place called Barbrix in Silver Lake (2442 Hyperion Avenue, Los Angeles, CA). I understand that driving to Silver Lake is somewhat like taking the L to Williamsburg, but hear me out — the tapas were truly amazing, and not very expensive ($ 4 – 13), and they had a terrific wine and beer selection (including several German craft beers and Baltic wines — I mean, wine from Croatia is not the first thing I think of when I think of a delicious bottle of red) I had the squash blossoms which were decent — they were stuffed with ricotta cheese, battered and deep fried. They could have used more flavor. The hamachi sashimi was also fantastic, as was the sliced strip steak covered with shaved parmesan and an arugula salad. I’m think Silver Lake is fabulous, and I would definitely go back over the whining of my West Side LA friends.
Airplane Etiquette and Other Such Matters…
After my long weekend in Los Angeles, I left on Tuesday. I left a little present consisting of a bottle of Stoli Raspberry and various snacks on Eunice’s countertop and headed to the airport for my short hop to Phoenix. Kelly was going to meet me at the airport and my father was coming in the following day. Of course, I underestimated both the line at Target, and the traffic on the 10, so I was running extremely late. I was unfortunately greeted by various asshats who proceeded to make my life as difficult as possible. I’ll just give you a few examples for your reading pleasure, before launching into a general overview of my awesome trip in America’s hottest oven…I mean, in Phoenix.
So I arrive at the airport, and I am, of course frantically running late after dropping my car off at the Alamo Rental Car lot in Inglewood (I have to say – despite the fact that the Biloxi Mississippi Airport is a barn, it is the best airport I have ever been to for this exact reason — the rental cars are in immediately in front of the airport, and there is zero line. The entire airport is in what appears to be a barn, but that is besides the point.) Thankfully the line is short for both the check-in and the bag drop, so I figure I’m home free. Au contraire, my friends, au contraire. Whenever I get to the airport there are always a million asshats who must not have a) been to an airport in the last 10 years, or b) read anything about air travel or watched the news since 9/11. Everyone knows that you have to take your shoes off, take your keys out of your pocket, no liquids, etc etc etc. Otherwise you are holding up the line and it is rude. Especially when there are those of us who fly by the seat of our pantalones here.
So this woman, whose face is mostly obscured by sunglasses despite the fact that we are inside and there are no windows, is holding what has to be the world’s most hideous dog (who is, by the way, not in a carrier) and a 1.5 liter bottle of Fiji water. When the security guard tells her that she can’t bring in her enormous bottle of water she has the audacity to act surprised. ”But I have a dawwwwwwggggg,” she says. At this point I am tapping my foot impatiently and my eyes are rolling around so much in my skull you’d think I was stroking. At the point that the woman proceeded to let her dog lap water out of her Fiji bottle I had had quite enough. I took my backpack, placed it on the belt in front of her, and went around. And then the unthinkable happened…. she removed my backpack and said, “Excuse me, I have a dawwwwwwg.” I, Alaina Morgan, was at a loss for words. You would have thought she had farted in my face.
Anyway, once I finally got through security, I thought my various dealings with idiots were done for the day. Unfortunately, my faith in humanity was too strong. I approached my seat on the plane, and unfortunately a zitty teenager had plopped herself down into it. Sign number one that the flight was going to go horribly wrong. After politely asking her to extract herself, I settled in and opened up the latest edition of Travel + Leisure Magazine. Somewhere in the middle of their feature article about the 100 best hotels in the world, we began to taxi down the runway, and that is when, to my horror, I heard someone’s cell phone ring. My horror turned to distaste, when I realized that the cell phone belonged to one of the zitty teenagers sitting next to me, who then proceeded to attempt to answer the phone. Now, I understand that the danger to the passengers in a plane caused by an errant cell phone is minimal, but it was really the blatant disregard for the rules that ticked me off more than anything. At any rate, as one of the zitty teenagers tried to place a phone call while we were taking off I yelled at them and told them to put away their cell phone. They probably thought I was old and crotechety, but I don’t care, it was the principal of the matter. The nerve of some people!
I Don’t Care if It’s a Dry Heat… Its Still Hot as Hell in Here
One of my favorite things when I land in a new place is disembarking from the plane and feeling the air from outside seep through the gap between where the jetway meets the plane doors. I got off the plane and was met with a gush of hot, dry air. Welcome to Phoenix.
Steele Indian School Park, Phoenix. (c) Alaina Morgan, 2009.
I collected Kelly by the rental car, and after a fight with the woman at Enterprise over the benefits of NOT “upgrading” to a mini-van, we were on our way to the suburbs of Phoenix…Gilbert to be exact.
Grand Canyon. (c) Alaina Morgan, 2009.
Let me be frank – there is not a whole lot to do in the suburbs of Phoenix, but we did go to a couple of very nice restaurants and bars in the Willo area of Phoenix, and in Scottsdale. Our first day we left to take a four hour drive to the Grand Canyon. The Canyon is amazing. If you find the right spot devoid of tourists, you can find the perfect balance of serenity. August is not one of the more crowded months, but it was still crowded. I can’t imagine what its like in early summer. Kelly and I hiked the Rim Trail, but didn’t go very far into the Canyon because we didn’t have a lot of time, and she was afraid of heights. Later that night, we checked into our hotel, the Yavapai Lodge, which in daylight looks like a creepy motel, but at night with desert foliage framing it, soft lights reflecting off of its walls, and the stars twinkling down on it, looks positively charming. We dined at the Arizona Room, which is located at the Bright Angel Lodge. It is supposed to be one of the better restaurants at the Grand Canyon, and I suppose after a day of hiking, walking, and hanging out with mules you aren’t too picky about your food. My baby back ribs were nothing special, the chipotle sauce lacking both that smoky kick that I was expecting, and a fall-off-the-bone flavor. The only truly fantastic thing on the menu was a peach summer berry streudel which was fantastic served with vanilla ice cream.
Sunrise at the Grand Canyon. (c) Alaina Morgan, 2009.
I didn’t come there for the food, so I wasn’t too disappointed. Besides, while we were waiting for our table to be ready, Kelly and I enjoyed a Fat Tire draft on the front patio and unexpectedly saw an Elk, in the middle of his rut, try to attack several passersby.
The next morning, Kelly and I woke up early to watch the sunrise. I attempted to run along the Rim Trail, but was unfortunately thwarted by the extremely thin air, and the fact that I embarked on a one mile vertical climb for the first ten minutes of my run. Fantastic.
Kelly and I left the Grand Canyon shortly thereafter, and headed for Jerome, Arizona, a ghost town known for its multiple haunted establishments, and its old copper mining history. Although we traveled to pretty much all of the “vortexes” in town trying to catch glimpses of ghosts, we didn’t catch any. On the way home we stopped at Prescott, Arizona’s Whiskey Row, which is supposed to house a collection of historical saloons, but was really just a disappointment.
Two Squirrels on the Edge of the Canyon. (c) Alaina Morgan, 2009.
Jerome, AZ. (c) Alaina Morgan, 2009.
About 40 miles from home Kelly and I got a flat tire. Like a serious flat tire. Like a – I was riding on the rim going 75 miles per hour and I’m lucky I got into the shoulder – flat tire. Anyway, we were trapped in a boiling hot car on the side of Interstate 17 ignoring each other like old lesbians. I really wish I had a picture — both of the flat tire and of us ignoring each other.
The rest of our trip was filled with just hanging out. We went to Steele Indian School Park (300 E. Indian School Road, Phoenix, AZ) to check out the open air art and fish pond. We paid a visit to the Phoenix Art Museum (1625 N. Central Avenue, Phoenix, AZ), which I have to say is an amazing art museum that rivals many of the ones in Manhattan, and might even be superior to some of the good ole’ boys. The PAM has much better signage, so when you are looking at an contemporary art piece, there is a very clear explanation of the artist’s intent, or where the artist fits into a greater movement, which allows for a much greater appreciation of the piece itself. I find that that is generally lacking in museums today. It might be snobbery or laziness, or it might clutter the display aesthetically, but I find that if I have to do my own research before or after I see an exhibit I get very displeased.
We ate bruschetta and crispy salads (try getting a vegetable in the Southwest, just try!) at My Florist Cafe (534 W. McDowell Road, Phoenix, AZ)in the Willo District before heading to the Diamondbacks game. I guess I didn’t put two and two together that baseball season is in the summer time and summer time is well over 100 degrees every day in Arizona, but the stadium is INSIDE. AND air conditioned! Most comfortable baseball game I’ve ever been to!
We had a family BBQ on our last night in town and Kelly and I headed out to Papago Brewery (7107 East McDowell Road, Scottsdale, AZ), which brews their own beer, and has a delicious Coconut Coffee Stout on tap. We then headed over to American Junkie (4363 N. 75th Street, Scottsdale, AZ ) in Old Scottsdale where we finished off the night. I like American Junkie because it is preppy but edgy, like me. Its like wearing a leather biker jacket and fashioning a bow out of some strapping leather for fashion’s sake.
Giant Tacos Running @ Diamondbacks Ballpark. (c) Alaina Morgan, 2009.
I always love seeing my family, but traveling to Arizona and spending time in Gilbert is like spending time in the suburbs… and to top it off, its a suburb where I don’t know anyone and can’t escape. Next time I go I’m spending more time in Scottsdale. Total mistake on my part.
Anyway, I am back and its going to be a great fall! Are you ready?
Cheap: I’d Like to Introduce You to My Little Friend…
Meet my friend the Red Nosed Mexican Bulldog.
Isn’t he adorable?! It’s the world’s best invention, and New York’s best drink deal: a frozen margarita, sangria swirled in, and a coronita turned down upside down into it. That means that it contains all three major food groups: booze, beer, and wine. It costs $7.50, which might seem like a lot, but trust me, one of these little guys will run you ragged. You won’t be needing a second… unless you’re a glutton for punishment.
The Bulldog also comes in a regular version with a shot of Sauza instead of Sangria. Grrr!
Get them at Blockhead’s Burritos. Click here for locations all around the city.
Review: 20 Wines for $20 Wine Tasting at Vintage Irving
As you might recall, almost two weeks ago, I gave everyone a head’s up that Vintage Irving (118A East 15th Street @ Irving Place) was having a wine tasting that could not be beat in terms of price – 20 wines for $20.
The Real Estate-trix and I had booked out tickets for the wine tasting online at going.com, and had called earlier to confirm our spot for the 9:00 seating. We walked into the bar, which was pleasantly dimly lit, with a touch of candlelight. Reminiscent of a Venetian enoteca, the room was decorated in an almost rustic fashion, with brick walls, and chicly worn wooden bar tables and high stools.
When we got there, the 7:00 tasting was still going on, and the hostess directed us towards the back tasting room. However, when we announced that we had shown up for the 9:00 tasting, we were promptly told that there was no 9:00. Obviously we were a bit perturbed. Eric Limmer, one of the owners of Vintage Irving (and its neighbor SideBar), to the rescue. Eric whisked us away from the tasting room and to the bar, where he instructed our bartender, Steve, to a private tasting for us from the by the glass menu. Making the situation even better was the fact that Eric stated that our tasting would be complimentary, as the cancellation of the 9:00 tasting had not been communicated through the proper channels. I have nothing but absolute praise of the customer service and the way that the situation was handled. There was not even an opportunity for either I or the Real Estate-trix to have to put up a protest. That is what I call excellent customer service! Vintage Irving will certainly not be on of my call outs of the week, that’s for sure.
Steve took us through essentially all of the tasting menu (with the exception of perhaps three wines). We started with the whites. Of these my favorite was the Riesling (Latitude 50 Kabinett ‘Feinherb’ Rheingau, Germany, 2007; $9/34). The Latitude 50 Riesling was less sweet than a typical Riesling wine. It had a thick consistency on the palate with a distinct flavor of honey, and pear. There was also a distinct scent of honey in the bouquet. Our least favorite was the Bridlewood Estate Chardonnay (Monterrey, California 2007; $10/38) which the Real Estate-trix described as “kicking her in the back of the throat like a donkey.” Yes, that is a direct quote. It had a highly alcoholic taste, with somewhat fruity undertones, although whatever distinct flavors where present were overpowered by the taste of alcohol.
These were not your normal tasting size glasses of wine. After tasting all of the whites, we should have probably stopped for the sake of our hepatic functions, but instead we persevered on to the roses and reds.
The one rose they have by the glass is a Grenache/Syrah (Dm, St. Lucie, “MiP”, Provence, France 2008; $11/48) which I found to be too light in color and flavor. I prefer a rose that is deep in color and bold in taste, but is still refreshing on a summer night. I didn’t get that at all from the MiP, which had many of the flavors of white wine, like light granny smith apple. The one welcome surprise was the taste of summer berries.
The best red that we tried all night was the LEO Pinot Noir (‘Spatburgunder’, Pfaltz, Germany 2006; $9/34) so good in fact, that when Steve told to a couple sitting next to us that they ask us for recommendations (as we had tasted our way through the entire menu), that was instantly the wine I suggested. It was light bodied, with medium tannins and low acidity. There was a distinct flavor of plum and dark cherries.
All of the reds were good, but the Petite Syrah (L.A. Cetto, Baja de California, Mexico 2006; $8/30) was probably my least favorite, being too high in tannins and oak for my personal taste. Although it advertised flavors of spice and chocolate, I didn’t get that from either the bouquet or the taste.
In between our tastings we got a charcuterie plate with manchengo cheese, drunken goat cheese soaked in Rioja, and prosciutto di parma (charcuterie – $12 for 3 selections; $26 for 6 selections; $34 for 9 selections; $40 for 12 selections). The plate was served with a guava paste (to take the place of a traditional quince paste), a Dijon mustard sauce, and a yogurt-like emulsion. We also got a plate of truffled chicken meatballs ($8) which were flavored perfectly with thyme, and served in a gravy of mostly their own jus with a touch of truffle oil. The meatballs were not so overpowering, however, in flavor that they needed a heavy wine to stand up to the flavor. The Enrico Brut Prosecco (Italy; $10/38) from the white category, and of course the LEO, neither being too heavy, went perfectly with the spice of the meatballs. The dishes are all reasonably priced – nothing is over $20.
Overall, the initial miscommunication regarding the cancellation of the 9:00 wine tasting could have turned into a complete disaster, but was saved by excellent management and customer service, some terrific chicken meatballs and drunken cheese, and the discovery of my new favorite wine (LEO Pinot Noir). I will definitely be going back to Vintage Irving, and to events at their sister bar SideBar, even if next time I have to pay for it myself!
Additional Deals at Vintage Irving:
- Both SideBar and Vintage Irving have weekly tastings and events.
- In addition to a full wine list, Vintage Irving also has a hefty selection of craft beer and absinthe cocktails. Just be careful that the green fairy doesn’t tell you to slice off your ear a la Van Gogh.
- Happy Hour is from 5 to 7pm Monday through Friday, and includes $4 craft beers, $6 sangria, and $16 sangria flights (Sangria types include: Vintage Red, White Peach Mango, Triple Berry, and White Grape)
- From 11-2am on Friday -Sunday nights the bar will serve up a free cocktail of either Sangria or the “Bartender’s Choice” of drinks
Weekend Update: Authentic Restaurant Experiences, The Office, and Suburban Bliss.
This weekend was pretty low key. I stayed in on Friday night in anticipation of the BRick (a triathlon term meaning Bike, Run, legs feel like “ick”) I had to do on Saturday morning, but unfortunately never made it out of bed. I’ve been sleeping at weird hours lately, and it needs to stop. I will sleep 8 hours a night, but from like 6 am to 2 pm or something ridiculous like that. I’m missing daylight, not getting enough vitamin D, and getting zero accomplished.
Simit, Courtesy of Wikipedia
Saturday I went to the IstanbulLive Turkish music festival at Summer Stage in Central Park with Sharon. Or, I should say I attempted to go to the Turkish music festival. We showed up an hour after it started, and couldn’t get in. Who knew that Turkish music was so popular? Then again, I suppose one cannot underestimate the power of a free event in the park on a sunny Saturday. Sharon and I lingered around outside, where I was eyeing up a woman with a delicious looking simit, but then got bored and left. We finished off the night with beers at Doc Watson’s (1490 Second Avenue, between 77th and 78th), and with dinner at A La Turka (1417 Second Avenue at 74th Street). A La Turka, if not for the food, is service-wise one of the most Turkish experiences that you can have in New York City. Those of you who have beern to Turkey will understand exactly what I mean. For those of you who haven’t – think the surliest possible service ever, a non-existent bartender, and a hostess who doesn’t even write your name down while you are waiting for a table. Get it? Good. The lamb yogurt kepab and the sigara boregi (turkish feta with dill wrapped in phyllo dough and fried…can you say delicious?) were the only saving grace.
On Sunday, I went to visit my college friend Danielle in Connecticut. I try to get out there every three months to save her and her husband from the monotony of suburban life, and to make sure that their son, Brennen, actually remembers who I am. I do make an impression, but my effect on those who are under the age of three is still inconclusive.
So, what’s on the agenda for this week?
Tonight was my last travel writing class, and the entire class got together at La Nacional (239 W. 14th Street between 7th and 8th Avenues), which is an adorable low key cafe underneath the Spanish Benevolent Society. I’ve apparently been having a lot of authentic meals in this city lately, because La Nacional, too was one of the most authentic Spanish meals that I’ve had in this country. The, served in an enormous cast iron traditional skillet, was brimming with seafood of all kinds: shrimp, clams, mussels (and a little chicken snuck in there as well). All in all, we had a great time, and essentially each polished off our own pitcher of refreshing sangria. Travel writing buddies — I’ll miss you guys, and good luck on your summer adventures!
Also, this week I am on the search for an “office” where I can go during the day to do work. Last week I posed the question of which cafes I can go to in the city to do work during the day. Nobody seemed to have an answer, although two of my friends questioned why I would want to leave my apartment where I can nap and have the liberty to run about with no pants on. This is an excellent question, but the answer is basically that I cannot be trusted to get anything done while my fluffy queen sized bed is only feet away, and without pants (or at least a skirt on). When one is unemployed, one must stay busy.
Anyway, the bottom line is that I’ve realized that this is a fabulous mission. So this week I’ll be going to various locations throughout the city: cafes, Starbucks, parks, &c. in order to determine which are the best locations for getting work done.
So that’s it for now. I will continue compulsively exercising (see pic me in wetsuit), unsuccessfully teaching Mr. J to walk on a leash, and going to museums. Look out this week for my review of Vintage Irving’s 20 for $20 wine special that the Real Estate-trix and I went to last Tuesday, and of my museum of the week review of the Rose Center for Earth and Space at the Museum of Natural History which I visited last Thursday. I’ve also compiled a list of museums that have suggested admission prices, and deals on specific days, as I’ve realized that there is no such comprehensive list anywhere on the internet. There are various lists floating about, but some of them are not accurate, and few are totally comprehensive. Hopefully this will be of some use to all of you as well! Look for a post tomorrow.
That’s all for now… I’m out!
Head’s Up/Relatively Inexpensive: 20 Wines for $20 Wine Event at Vintage Irving
Next week, Tuesday, June 23, 2009, Vintage Irving (118 E. 15th Street @ Irving Place) is featuring a wine tasting which simply cannot be beat in terms of price: 20 wines for $20, including both red and white selections.
There are two seatings at 7pm and 9pm, and parties will have the option to purchase food at either seating.
You can RSVP online.
Head’s Up: Free Salad Tuesdays at Vero
So, you know I love Vero (1004 Second Avenue @ 53rd Street; 212.935.3530/ 1483 Second Avenue between 77th and 78th Streets; 212.452.3354) and obviously I was there last night (this time at my preferred Upper East Side location) for FPMs. Well, I found out a little info that is completely useless for me, but might be helpful for some of you: Vero has free salads for Equinox members on Tuesdays.
I’m not an Equinox member because I belong to the cesspool otherwise known as New York Sports Club, but if you are, you should definitely check it out tonight or another Tuesday.
Relatively Inexpensive: Free Panini Mondays at Vero
So my friend, who wishes to be called the “Real Estate-trix” for the purposes of this blog (even though this is not even an anonymous blog and there’s no reason to adopt a pseudonym, but we’ll let her have her fun), and I went to Vero (1004 Second Avenue @ 53rd Street; 212.935.3530) in Midtown East last night for their Free Panini Mondays (“FPMs” hereinafter). Yes, free!!! Well… “free”, since you have to buy a glass of wine, which costs between $8-14 a glass. I first discovered Vero’s FPMs by accident on the Upper East Side (1483 Second Avenue between 77th and 78th Streets; 212.452.3354) this past winter. The restaurant/panini bar does their free panini promotion at both of their locations. Two glasses of wine and a full sized panini costs approximately $25 and that (almost) can’t be beat for dinner and drinks in New York City.
Vero Uptown
I prefer the Upper East Side location leagues above the Midtown location (and not just because I live in the neighborhood). Vero’s Upper East Side location has a warm small Italian trattoria feel mixed with a somewhat surprising wall of modern black and white photographs (including one of what appears to be Snoop Dogg) against terra cotta walls. It is unexpected, but it works. The lighting is dim and flattering, with amber lighting, making it a perfect date spot (or um… a place to go with your ladies…just sayin’!). The Midtown location on the other hand is too open and informal with light blonde wood fixtures and brighter, unflattering lighting. (It is possible that it wasn’t the lighting that was lending to the unattractive nature of the clientele, but we’ll leave that for another post.) Although the windows open onto the street, making it perfect on a breezy night like last night, its simply not as, for lack of a better word, adorable.
Interior Vero Midtown East.
The selection of paninis at the Upper East Side location is also superior. My go to panini, Smoked Turkey, Fontina & Pesto, wasn’t on the menu at the Midtown location so both myself and the Real Estate-trix got Prosciutto, Fresh Mozzarella, and Basil Aioli paninis. The bread was crisp, the prosciutto had the perfect proportion of fat and salty meat, and the mozzarella could have been heated through more, but overall it was excellent. It also came with a side of olives which delighted me. The paninis at the Upper East Side location come with a chick pea salad and sweet balsamic reduction, which had I never known about the olives at the Midtown location I would have gone on loving forever.
Glass of Rioja and Prosciuttio, Mozzarella, Basil Panini
As for the wines, both locations have an equal selection of wines by the glass, but the Midtown location does features countries like Australia and South Africa, which are not featured at the Upper East Side Location. However, the most important thing that I noted was the way that the wines were served at the midtown location. They came out cold, and we had to wait for them to warm up before tasting them.
I tasted two reds, the Condesa de Laganza, Rioja Crianza (Spain, 2005; $11/42) and the La Monica, Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Chianti (Italy, 2006; $9/36). The Rioja was acidic with high tanins and a distinct oak barrel flavor. By contrast, the Chianti was bold, but had low tanins and low acid, a slight spice, and a faint note of plum and currant. The Real Estate-trix also tried two reds, the Stormhoek Pinotage (South Africa, no year listed; $9/38) and the Ram’s Leap Shiraz (New South Wales, Australia, 2006; $11/44). The Pintoage was dry and mild with low spice, and a detectable flavor of cut grass. The Shiraz was fruity with medium tanins and a noticeable granny smith apple flavor.
Glass of Rioja and a Glass of Pintoage.
Overall, FPMs at Vero have been a staple in my rotation and it should be added to yours. I’ll stick with the Upper East Side location, but if the Real Estate-trix made me go to the Midtown location, I wouldn’t resist.
Tips and Tricks:
- Try the Smoked Turkey, Fontina and Pesto panini Uptown and the Prosciutto, Mozzarella, Basil panini in Midtown
- The patio at the Midtown location is heated with heat lamps, but ask to sit in the row away from the building. In the row closest to the building, not only will you be looking up your neighbor’s skirt, but the sidewalk is slanted, and your wine may slide off the table.
- Uptown, if you arrive between 7 and 9pm, expect a short wait for a table. You can, however, hang out at the bar until they seat you, and its well worth the approximately 20 minute wait.
- The Uptown location also does wine flights of three wines of your choosing (from a selected category) for $18
- Ask for the Cookie Monster at the Uptown location, but you won’t find it on the menu. Its a plate sized warm cookie covered with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, strawberries and chocolate sauce. Splitting that between two people usually brings the tab to about $30 per person.
