Three Days in New York, Part 2

Greetings my fearless eaters and welcome to the second installment of New York deliciousness, served up hot in three courses. Loosen your belt loops, because we are getting to the meat and potatoes and its going to be good. How good? Read on and belly up. Hope you’re in the mood for something spicy.

Now you may be wondering what this Novice Forker’s second favorite activity in the City that needs Ambien to sleep may be aside from stuff my pie hole on amazing global cuisine and the best bagels I’ve ever had (well, duh…) 

Legit Bagel Experience

What is this activity I simply couldn't live without? Shopping, my dears, shopping. 

My credit card was so hot it burned right through my wallet as I ripped through SoHo like the Tasmanian devil. My tip to all of you? Forget 5^th Avenue with its throngs of tourist cramming into the M&M Store (sorry little guys) and head south, south of Houston to be precise, to the best and most authentic NYC shopping experience. Sure it’s the same stores (H&M, Banana, and Hollister) but you’ll be in the heart of it all, open air, bustling streets, and the xfactor that makes NYC what it is. It is the best, and once you go, you’ll know what I mean.

But food remains my top priority and here we come to a certain Friday evening in the City that brought us to a place possessing my favorite Mexican in NYC. The Rocking Horse Café in the ever-popular neighborhood of Chelsea.

The Rocking Horse Café
182 8th Avenue New York, NY 10011
212-463-9511
www.rockinghorsecafe.com

Love the colors!

The Novice Fork gives this Chelsea stalwart

4.5 stars for reliability of food,

awesome atmosphere and swift service.

Now this place is amazing not only because it has been going strong since as long as anyone can remember (that’s a lot of years) so its no exaggeration that The Rocking Horse Café is a fixture of the Chelsea dinning scene (with most locals remember it as being at the forefront of the Chelsea’s renaissance.) Once you enter its unassuming front door, you the eater begin to see why. The lively, packed and good looking crowd downing amazingly potent margaritas, bright colors and worldly artwork, and with the strong smells of cilantro, braised pork and mole all grab at your attention all at once.

Seated either at the long and popular bar, or into the very long and narrow restaurant, the atmosphere envelopes you. Dimly lit, warm, and very “city” it’s what you want when you come to New York.

When you go to Rocking Horse, get the guacamole, its delicious. And the normal menu really has something for everyone. But on this particular evening the special menu featured a special pork loin with salsa Verde and chipotle mashed potatoes. This I couldn’t pass up on. However, since I’m not the biggest fan of the mashed potato (Shocking I know) I opted for a side of garlic sautéed kale. This was a great switch. 

The Holy Pork Loin (for serious)

Finishing up with a few margaritas, (maybe one too many) and with exceptional company intimately across the table from me, my night was perfect. I can’t even remember what they had to eat (Chicken?) but it doesn’t matter, it was good, like the food always is. I hope you all feel festive everyday of your lives, but if you don’t, Rocking Horse Café is a good medicine.

-NF

Three days in New York, Part 1

     Well hello there, fancy seeing you in this neck of the woods. It’s been too long, bub! I regrettably admit that I am more than tardy to this blogging party and have to apologize. Life, with all of its surprises and shit storms, can get in the way from your food blogging responsibilities. Sorry. In the time that has passed, I’ve been many places, seen many new sights and eaten many a fantastic meal. 2012 has been an amazing year of travel, personal growth and dope food, and I am very thankful for all the opportunities that have presented themselves. I thought I’d attempt now to relive some of it for you all today and in the days and weeks to follow, picking up just where we left off. Reunited and it feels so good, doesn’t it?

     So welcome intrepid eaters to another very long overdue installment of Novice Fork goodness, served hot and fresh (like a toaster strudel).  This time around I’ve traveled to a certain Big Apple, the great white way, Gotham… that’s right eaters, good ol’ NY of C!  New York City, simply put, is wonderful and continues to be my favorite city in the United States, and it all about the food and culture, the pace and architecture that makes NY what it is. On a recent trip I rediscovered why this place rocks my socks… lets take a peek together, shall we? Obvi…

The Grey Dog

242 West 16th Street

New York City

www.thegreydog.com/

Cute, No?

The Novice Fork gives this neighborhood

spot 4 forks for charm, reliable food

and friendly, unpretentious service.

     Arriving early Friday morning for a long weekend in my favorite US city, my first foodie stop was in the land called Chelsea and to The Grey Dog. Established as a coffee house in 1996, this hole-in-the-wall in the heart of Chelsea is a favorite of locals (I.E those who live on the same block) and all New Yorkers thirsty for morning coffee, eggs benedict (or rancheros) and rustic charm. I loved it here! Reclaimed wood tables, mason jars for water glasses, amazing dessert and freshly prepared pastry selection, and very friendly, laid back staff, this place reads more Brooklyn or even Portland (Maine or Oregon) than fast paced and often expensive Manhattan.

     But this is what makes The Grey Dog so appealing. The atmosphere, dining room layout and even color on the walls add up to a warm, cozy and familiar atmosphere that makes hangover eggs on Sunday morning so much tastier. That Friday morning I noshed on their “Ol’ fashioned omelette” with cheddar and mushrooms that was on the far better side of standard. Their toast was thick-cut and delish. Home fries? Not bad either. My cohort had the Breakfast Quesadilla, which was also delish. With iced coffee and a slice of surprisingly good rhubarb pie later, I was ready for the weekend ahead. And thanks to The Grey Dog, that weekend included a few extra lbs… gee thanks.

*!!!News Flash!!!*

Is Krusty's passion project doomed?

 This Just In!

It is still safe to eat in Portland, ME. I repeat it IS safe to eat in Portland, ME. With this week’s “wonderful” article about the safety of our fair city’s restaurants, I’ve come out of my mini retirement (sorry for the hibernation) to send out a little P.S.A about the best little food city in the U.S. of A… To all the food curious I endeavor to give you a much needed dose of confidence about what you eat… simply put, you’ll all be fine. Continue munching that pizza, don’t put down those fries, and slurp a few more oysters because this will all blow over. (But you might want to leave those Krusty Burgers behind.) I’m certain your favorite restaurant that didn’t “pass” will want your support, so go out to eat tonight! You’re welcome.

 -The Novice Fork

*!!!News Flash!!!*

This Just In!

Move over J's Oyster Bar, step aside Old Port Sea Grill, there is a new Oyster game in town. The former site of the much loved Rabelais Book Store will now be home to Eventide Oyster Co. Located on 86 Middle Street (you know, where all the cool restaurants hang out), and connected to the Portland institution Hugo's, the newest entry into the Portland Seafood scene looks very promising (Love that window-front logo). Eventide is so new they don't even have a website up yet, only a facebook profile. With a projected opening date of mid-June, Portlanders won't have to wait long to start binging. But this hungry food writer cannot wait to take his first bite (read slurp.) So if you are smart (I know you are), come join me mid-June for a bakers dozen or two of these delicious mollusks... Oysters are good for you, after all... It's scientifically proven.

-The Novice Fork