South Houston: Downtown at it’s Best

331 West Broadway at Grand Street

 

Phone 212-431-0131

 

Cuisine New Southern Comfort

 

Owner Michael Carpinillo

Executive Chef Omar Drammeh

General Manager Walter Roeder

Seating Capacity Total Seats: 46

Bar: 10 bar stools

Hours Sunday – Wednesday; 11am – 2am

Thursday – Saturday; 11am – 4am

Credit Cards All Major

Accessibility Wheelchair accessible

Reservations Highly recommended

Website www.SouthHoustonNYC.com

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THE SOUTH IS ON THE RISE IN NYC; SOUTH HOUSTON IS NOW OPEN

Fun New Southern Comfort Flavors Pair Up With An Extensive Beer Offering in the Heart of SoHo

Bringing Southern comfort up North to SoHo, South Houston showcases regional Southern cuisine with a modern twist. After countless hours of testing recipes and experimenting with ideas, Owner Michael Carpiniello (owned the now closed Lusso) and Executive Chef Omar Drammeh (Amy Ruth's, Le Bernardin) have put their own spin on Southern cuisine.  Like they say, beauty is in the eye of the beholder and in this case, beauty is three mini corndogs with jalapeno and cheddar dipping sauce (Above), popcorn doused with butter, brown sugar, bourbon and bacon (you must taste it); and fried chicken and waffles with peach Amaretto syrup.

Visitors to South Houston step into a casual, friendly, comfortable atmosphere. There is a cheerful bar-room with windows overlooking the West Broadway scene. The focal point of the dining room is a large cast iron map of the area from 1968, which pays homage to the history of the neighborhood. There is also a full wall chalk board that local artists are leaving their mark on with graffiti style words along with pigs, cows and chickens all with a little extra personality. 

Keeping the meats smoking and the food sizzling is Executive Chef Omar Drammeh. He creates delectable appetizers like Grilled Chicken Wings covered in a delicious peach and apricot bbq sauce (or try it the traditional Buffalo style) Below.

Crusted Calamari tomato jalapeno relish and chipotle crema, which showcase his dual skills in Southern cuisine and international accents. Salmon Tacos with jalapeno remoulade, tomato salsa and pickled onions could be a star at any first rate Mexican restaurant and the Hushpuppies are worth a visit on their own.(The best we ever tasted). The terrific Bacon Pecan Brittle would make a fine dessert.

The Chicken Pot Pie (Above) with its juicy, tender chicken and crispy, flakey crust  is sure to satisfy any comfort food fix (it’s made to order and takes a worthy 14 minutes,wait). Smoky Bacon, Wrapped Individual Meatloaf with molasses bbq sauce, imparts a haunting flavor that is simultaneously sweet and savory. The BBQ Pulled Pork Sandwich and the Grilled Cheese with Tomato and Bacon are two must haves, but almost everything on the menu at South Houston is a must have. For something unique, checkout The Hot Brown, inspired by Louisville’s fabled hotel, it combines turkey, prosciutto, fried egg and mornay sauce on an elegant brioche base. 

Other signature dishes include the amazing Chicken With Waffles (Above) and the housemade Hotdog (beef or pork), pictured below. (The fried onion rings are amazing). There are some good entrees if you still have room. Try the Steak, Pork Chops or BBQ. Desserts are fun and what’s more fun than a South Houston Sundae with belgian waffle, vanilla, strawberry and chocolate, ice cream, banana, caramel and chocolate fudge toppings, whipped cream and, of course, a cherry.

While the cocktails are not to be missed, including stand outs like the Huckleberry Fizz (44 North Huckleberry infused vodka, blueberries, raspberries, lemon) and the Sarsaparilla Root Mojitio (Bacardi Limon, Lime, Mint, Maine Root Sarsaparilla Organic Soda), the beer program is sure to be a major neighborhood draw.  South Houston features 8 weekly rotating taps, showcasing both local breweries and international finds.  To kick things off, they filling the taps with Heavy Seas Loose Cannon IPA (Baltimore, MD), Nectar Ales Red Nectar (Paso Robles, CA), Gaffel Kolsch (Cologne, Germany), Delirium Tremens (Melle, Belgium), Kelso Pilsner (Brooklyn, NY), Ithica Apricot Wheat (Ithica, NY), Gogue Hazelnut Brown Nectar (Newport, Or), and Atwater Michigan Lager (Detroit, MI).  And to make the beer lovers out there even more elated, South Houston offers growlers, filled to the brim, with these delectable brews to take home and enjoy. 

The service staff, from General Manager Walter Roeder to waitpersons, bartenders and busboys are helpful and warm. South Houston is a restaurant for the 2010 expectations of low price points, delicious food and drinks and casual, comfortable atmosphere. It’s New York Downtown at its best. Don’t miss it!

Copyright 2010 By Punchin International. All Rights Reserved.

Disclosure

Gigot d'Agneau Provencale at db Bistro Moderne

Sel et Poivre

ADDRESS: 853 Lexington Avenue

(Between 64^th and 65^th Streets)

New York, NY 10065

WEB SITE: www.seletpoivrenyc.com

TELEPHONE: (212) 517-5780

FAX: (212) 517-4785

HOURS: Lunch: 12:00 Noon - 4:00 PM, Mon.-Fri.

Dinner: 4:00 PM - 10:30 PM, Mon.-Thurs.

4:00 PM - 11:00 PM, Fri.-Sat.

4:00 PM - 10:00 PM, Sun.

Brunch: 12:00 Noon - 4:00 PM, Sat.-Sun.

CUISINE: French Bistro

CREDIT CARDS: All major

DESIGNERS: Christian Schienle

Pamela Schienle

EXECUTIVE CHEF: Christian Schienle

WINE DIRECTOR: Christian Schienle

OWNERS: Christian Schienle

Pamela Schienle

OPENING DATE: June, 1989

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In our quest to review the newest and most trendy restaurant openings, let’s not forget New York’s heritage of charming family-run establishments. Whether they be American, ethnic or a charming French bistro such as Sel et Poivre (Above), they are worth revisiting, remembering and add focus to a constantly changing restaurant scene, where the venue or clientele is often the main feature.

The stylish, sophisticated dining room is enhanced by a 12-foot high ceiling, candlelit wood tables with white linen tablecloths, The: Intimate, romantic ambiance includes leather and fabric-upholstered banquettes, classic wood bistro chairs, antique sconces, pale yellow walls,wood floors, classic mirrors, black-and-white framed family photos of international travels alongside prints from renowned European photographers, and mood lighting to create a classic Parisian bistro setting.

Owner/Chef Christian Schienle, formerly at L’Absinthe, is handsome, charming and prepares classic French bistro dishes with a refined, updated flair.

Favored appetizers include crunchy Celery root remoulade with red beets, an intensely flavored Venison Pate and wonderful, Escargots with garlic butter and herbs. Go for the signature bistro classics in such delectable entrees as Brook trout Almandine, Frog legs a la Provencal, Pork Chop with Braised Onions and Apples in a heady calvados sauce with crispy herb roasted potatoes, tender, juicy Rack of lamb served with tomatoes and zucchini mélange and crispy Duck a l’orange with wild rice Inquire about the daily specials such as (Friday) Cassoulet , (Saturday) Cous Cous Royal and (Sunday) Roasted leg of lamb.

Go easy on the excellent warm baguettes. You want to save room for the terrific desserts. I loved the layered Chocolate Mousse, traditional Profiteroles and  light and  elegant Fresh Fruit Tart.  There is cheese and a nice selection of sorbets as well.

The 10-foot long custom-made L-shaped oak bar, located in the front of the Dining Room, features a predominantly French and American wine list with an international flair. It features handsome wood barstools. An impressive variety of wines are available by the glass. In addition, a premier selection of spirits,liquors, digestifs, dessert wines, imported beers,and classic cocktails are also available. The Lunch,Dinner, and Brunch Menus are available at the bar.

We found the cocktails well made and generous. Wine red wine glasses are attractive and large enough to allow wines such as the excellent  2006 CHATEAU LES HAUTES TUILERIES, (52.00 the bottle, $13.50 by the glass) room to breathe. This is a fine red vintage wine from the Lalande de Pomerol region in Bordeaux France

Service and reception at the door and warm and friendly, so take our advice and revisit Sel et Poivre. If this your first time, you’re in for an affordable and eminently pleasant dining experience.

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Copyright 2010 By Punchin International. All Rights Reserved.

Disclosure

PAULA WEST: FEINSTEIN'S AT LOEWS REGENCY

FEINSTEIN'S AT LOEWS REGENCY

PRESENTS THE DEBUT OF

CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED JAZZ VOCALIST

PAULA WEST

OCTOBER 12 – 16 AND NOVEMBER 22 – 27

FEINSTEIN’S AT LOEWS REGENCY, the nightclub proclaimed “Best of New York” by New York Magazine, and “an invaluable New York institution” by The New York Post, continues its Fall 2010 season with the debut engagement of critically-acclaimed jazz vocalist PAULA WEST from October 12 – 16 and from November 22 – 27. He will perform selections by Bob Dylan (“Shelter From The Storm”), Jimmy Webb (“Wichita Lineman”), Duke Ellington (“Everything But You”) and Irving Berlin (“Suppertime”). She will be joined by the George Mesterhazy Quartet, which features Mr. Mesterhazy (Shirley Horn) on piano, Barak Mori (Madeline Peyroux) on bass, Jerome Jennings (Christian McBride, Sonny Rollins) on drums and Ed Cherry (Dizzy Gillespie) on guitar. According to The New York Times, “with each engagement Ms. West displays more courage, maturity, interpretive insight and vocal confidence. She and her quartet are a match made in pop-jazz heaven.” All performances take place at the Regency Hotel (540 Park Avenue at 61st Street).

PAULA WEST has captured the hearts of critics and audiences alike from coast to coast. Known and respected for her creative and distinct repertoire, West adds her own depth and drama to whichever song she chooses for the moment, creating whole new frameworks of meaning for American favorites. West has performed to sell-out houses annually at in San Francisco and New York, increasing her exposure via films, radio broadcasts and performances in France, Italy and Switzerland. West has also sung at major jazz festivals and has shared the bill with numerous jazz luminaries including Rosemary Clooney, Stacey Kent, Mose Allison, Freddy Cole, Jimmy Scott, Oscar Brown Jr., Rita Rudner, Mavis Staples and Dave Frishberg. Other recent appearances include the Spoleto Festival, Jazz at Lincoln Center, the San Francisco Jazz Festival, clubs like Jazz Standard and the Blue Note in New York and Sculler’s in Boston, Jazz Aspen, and a performance at The White House in a salute to American writers.

Ms. West was honored as the year’s “Outstanding Female Jazz Vocalist” by the New York Nightlife Awards in 2004, 2005 and 2006. Her critically acclaimed CDs include Temptation, Restless and Come What May, which received the California Music Award for “Outstanding Jazz Album,” as well as guest appearances on Eric Reed’s Max Jazz Christmas CD, Merry Magic, and Frank Mantooth’s final project, Ladies Sing for Lovers, featuring Karrin Allyson, Ann Hampton Callaway, Sheila Jordan and Oleta Adams. West has been featured on numerous television programs including A&E’s “Breakfast with The Arts” the Oxygen Network and BBC Television. Her film appearances include Chris Columbus’ Bicentennial Man starring Robin Williams and the Lynn Hershman film Teknolust starring Tilda Swinton.

FEINSTEIN’S AT LOEWS REGENCY will present PAULA WEST from October 12 to 16 with the following schedule: Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at 8:30 PM; and Friday and Saturday at 8:00 PM and 10:30 PM; and from November 22 to 27 with the following schedule:  Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday at 8:30PM; and Friday and Saturday at 8:00 PM and 10:30 PM. PLEASE NOTE: There will be no show on Thursday, November 25.  Performances have a $40.00 cover with $60.00 premium seats available, in addition to a $40.00 food and beverage minimum.  Jackets are suggested but not required. The club is located at 540 Park Avenue at 61st Street in New York City. For ticket reservations and club information, please call (212) 339-4095 or visit us online at Feinsteinsatloewsregency.com and TicketWeb.com.