Maestro's Steakhouse - Midtown, NYC

From Maestro's website.

Good for an expense account, large group dinner. Huge multilevel mid-town place that could be anywhere, Miami, Vegas anywhere. Packed with large parties, it's a lively and efficient place to drop a lot of money on good but not great food. I forgot to take photos of the steak and sides- what you would expect with a NYC steakhouse with a couple of standout dishes- king crab black truffle gnocchi and lobster mashed potatoes were scrumptious.



Address: 1285 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY
Website: MaestrosRestaurants.com

Omnivore Observations - Cold Warrior Juice

Cold Warrior from Juice Generation- I'm feeling a cold coming on... Hopefully this will help fight it off.  Will let you know.

Via Carota - West Village, NYC

The bar at Via Carota - great place to dine solo

After enjoying my meal at Buvette so much, I found myself at another of chef Jody Williams restaurants last night, Via Carota. This is a joint venture with another popular West Village chef, Rita Sodi of I Sodi fame.  The menu is Italian and heavily leaning toward well sourced preparations of local and seasonal foods- loads of veggies.  The restaurant is simple and welcoming, with a huge marble bar and bistro style tables with mismatched flea market chairs and antique decor.


Address: 51 Grove Street, New York, NY
Website: ViaCarota.com

Omnivore Originates - Easy Breakfast

Breakfast-not breakfast- toasted sourdough with a slice of Swiss, tomato, cucumber, avocado, basil and a hard boiled egg. Fuel for the day and so good!

Omnivore Outdoors - Baker Peak Hike, Danby, VT

The views from the summit are incredible.

This is a great 3 -3 1/2 hour round trip hike in Danby, Vermont. It's roughly 3 miles to the peak- and pretty much relentlessly uphill ending in scrambling the last 10th of a mile on exposed rock.

Omnivore Originates - Sunday Dinner

Scoop the custard onto the toast add asparagus spears and speck.
Yummmmmmmmmmy.

All of the hiking and gardening makes you hungry.  I made the April Bloomfield Spotted Pig recipe for Parmesan custard.  A meal itself- served with roasted asparagus, grilled bread and a few slices of speck (prosciutto would obviously work as well).

This dish practically cooked itself. In my tagine,
lamb shank with red wine, Harissa, carrots, radishes
and peas. Braised for 4-5 hours. Served with Israeli
couscous.  So good.

Omnivore Other Stuff - Gardening

The omnivore likes to dabble in gardening too.  Hello veggies. Hope the bunnies leave you alone.

Omnivore Observations - JJ Hapgood Store, Peru, VT

If you hike up to the top of Bromley, you are entitled to pizza from JJ Hapgood. Wood fired pizzas made with organic ingredients. This is the Hawaiian- pineapple ham and roasted red peppers. So good.


Address: 305 Main Street, Peru, VT
Website:  JJHapgood.com

Solo Farm & Table - South Londonderry, Vermont

We are lucky to know the proprietors of this secluded Vermont farmhouse sophisticated dining spot. In an unassuming renovated home with lovely gardens and grounds, you'll find impeccable service, incredible Spanish influenced food and a super cozy relaxed place for an ideal date night.


Address: 95 Middletown Road, South Londonderry, VT
Website: SoloFarmandTable.com

Buvette - West Village, NYC

Chalk wine map on the wall highlighting wines
by the glass and where they are from

This neighborhood gem is another no-reservations, cramped space that serves some well-prepared, simple, heavily French influenced "gastroteque" fare. The chef, Jody Williams, made a name for herself in mostly Italian spots, but does casual French well. Be prepared to be shoe horned into impossibly tight seats and to hear every word of your neighbors conversations.


Address: 42 Grove Street, New York, NY
Website: Buvette.com

Omnivore Observations - Green Juice

In keeping with the latest detox fads- obsessed with green juice with activated charcoal. Evidently charcoal attracts impurities in your system and flushes them out of your digestive tract improving your digestion, skin and breath. Drink your veggies (and charcoal)!

Omnivore Observations - Zucker's Bagels

Zucker's bagels- hand rolled, kettle-boiled. Toasted everything with veggie cream cheese and 2 slices of Lucky's tomatoes. You can thank me later.  www.zuckersbagels.com

Omnivore Observations - Avocado Toast

If you haven't had avocado toast with lemon for breakfast, you're missing out.

The Spotted Pig - West Village, NYC

This British gastropub turned celebrity hang out is on a quiet west village side street. You'll know you've found it when you see the crowds of people swarming around the front door. It's fame has only risen with the success of chef owner author April Bloomfield's recent book "a girl and her pig" as well as her having been awarded a Michelin star at two of her 3 NYC restaurants .

Lovely and lively bar scene- the seats are first come first serve- no reservations- don't be fooled this is a full contact competition for a spot. On a rainy Tuesday night at 830 I waited for 40 minutes.

I'd say half of the people in the restaurant were having the burger- for good reason. This is the chargrilled burger with Roquefort cheese and shoestring fries served with spicy Dijon mustard and ketchup. This is the reason for the Michelin star. Trust me-this is a damn near perfect burger.

Address: 314 West 11th Street, New York, NY
Website: theSpottedPig.com

Crabmeat Toasts - Omnivore Originates

Ten minute elegant light hors d'oeuvres.

1) Can of crabmeat
2) Mix with finely diced shallot, one jalapeno pepper seeds removed, mint leaves, juice from two limes, salt and pepper
3) toast some baguette slices with olive oi
4) serve and enjoy! So yummy.