Beauty & Essex - New York, NY

So from Death & Co, since we were just a few blocks away, I absolutely had to take John to Beauty & Essex!  Now, if you didn't notice Death & Co while walking past it, there is no way you would ever realize that Beauty & Essex was even here.

From the outside, it looks like an old pawn shop or antique/estate jewelry store.  But at the back left of the store is a giant door with a doorman, and once the door is open, you see and absolute vibe of a great place!  Sure, this too is styled after an old speakeasy, however, this place is done with some class!

On the right hand side as you walk in is a giant staircase.  Unfortunately, I didn't go up here to see what was there, but we were just stopping in for a drink or 2.  There seemed to be a lot of people going up and down, so who knows.

We grab 2 seats at the bar on the left before the dining room, and there were only 2 other people at the bar which probably has about 12 stools.  Opposite the bar is seating that was jam packed, all the way down the wall, with some tables, and chairs as well.  Definitely a cozy spot.

Towards the rear of the restaurant is the dining room, which looked absolutely gorgeous, and definitely had a great vibe.  There wasn't an open table that I could see, and again, considering it was a Monday, this is a good sign for the economy.  Or a good sign that this is a fun gathering place where the masses like to hang out.

As for the drinks, again, I would stay away from beer here and go the cocktail route.  I actually had a glass of Bordeaux, and while it cost $14, it was what it was in Manhattan.  The service from the bar was nice and friendly, and she was accommodating enough to take a picture for us.

The menu at Beauty & Essex looks nice, and the few entrees that I saw looked delicious.  Appetizers are from $12-$16, and entrees run $18-$52.

Looking forward to visiting for dinner one of these nights.  In the meantime, here is another fun NYC gem worth checking out!  And don't be afraid to go in...there really is a door into the speakeasy through the pawn shop!  Cheers!

Beauty & Essex
146 Essex Street
New York, NY 10002-2301
Phone:  (212)614-0146
http://www.beautyandessex.com/

Death & Co - New York, NY

When my good pal John Rueff sent me a text message before 6AM today, I knew it was going to be a good day, and that he was coming to town.  That said, I hopped the train to meet him for dinner, and after dinner we checked out a few places for cocktails that I have been meaning to try at the suggestions of friends.

First and foremost, if you didn't know what this place was, you would probably walk right past it.  But what is it exactly?  Is it a swanky bar and a hip place to hang out?  You bet!  Is it a small, cozy place that serves good drinks!  Oh heck yes!  Is it a place where you can grab some tapas and a snack?  Yup, it's that too!  Long story short, it's an old styled speakeasy that serves good drinks!

But that being said, this isn't a shot and a beer sort of bar.  Not in the least!  If you are going to take the time to go to Death & Co, do yourself a favor and stay away from the beer and the wine, and go for a cocktail.  The bartenders are not just drink pourers, they are mixologists, and some of them are genius!

The place itself is small and cozy, and I could see this place being absolutely packed on the busier nights.  Being a Monday, we took the last 2 seats at the bar, and stayed for a drink.

For the small plates menu, there are about 15 plates (including 3 desserts) to choose from.  Some of the winners include the Truffled mac and Cheese, served on 8 individual spoons, portioned into the perfect sized bites. 

Other favorites include the Lobster Brioche Rolls, Tuna Tartar, Crispy Pork Belly, and the Petite Filet Mignon.  Again, these are small plates, or "Bites" as I think they called them on the menu, so order several different things to tide you over.  I will say that there wasn't anything that was underwhelming in the least.

Service is also great, and the bartenders are cool.  The guy we had seemed to have a lot of liquor knowledge, and shared a story about Absinthe with us and the history of absinthe.  Interesting...from what everyone says however, order the "Saz Wha?" from Brian at the bar.  I will have to try this next time!

In short, if you are looking for a hip place to bring some friends to, or have some friends visiting from out of town, this is a good choice!  Check it out now, and remember who sent ya while this place is still on the cool list!  We'll be back for sure in the future.  Cheers!

Death & Co
433 East 6th Street (Between 1st and Avenue A)
New York, NY 10009
Phone:  (212)388-0882
http://www.deathandcompany.com/

Bar Americain - New York, NY

So tonight I took the train from Princeton up to NYC, to meet my good friend John from back home in Chicago for dinner.  I walked up the stairs to 7th Avenue at Penn Station, and hung a quick right to meet John at the Hilton Fashion District.  Needless to say, we left his hotel and started walking towards Times Square, so I suggested Bar Americain.

We walked in and the restaurant was packed, however, there were 2 open stools at the bar so we sat down and ordered a couple of drinks, and got some menus.   I looked at the wine list, and really wasn't in the mood for a Washington State cabernet, so I went the beer route, and had a hefewizen instead, and I think it was Pennsylvania perhaps?  Not sure, but regardless, it was tasty.

It's been a few years since Zelda took me to Bar Americain, and unfortunately, there was nothing that really jumped out and grabbed me from the menu, so I ended up ordering the Monday night special of Fried Chicken, with a side of fries.  John ended up ordering the same, with asparagus however.

The chicken came out quick, and had a great crisp to it.  It was juicy and tender inside, and had some great herb and spice flavors.  This was served with a side of a black pepper biscuits with a honey of sort on them, and these too were good.  What I really liked was the flavor from the pink peppercorn in the breading on the chicken.  This added a great element which I truly appreciated.

The fries were fries.  Nothing special about them, and frankly, they could have been a lot hotter than the luke warm that they were.  The chipotle mayo however is always delicious, and the same as what is served at Bobby's Burger Palace.

All in all, a nice bar dinner, but not sure the fried chicken was $29 worthy.  I think that Chef Capasso at West Side Gravy does a friend chicken every bit as good for half the price, but that is just me.  Service was friendly, food was tasty, and it's always good to see my boy from home.  Cheers!


Bar Americain
152 W. 52nd Street
New York, NY 10019
212.265.9700