When I first heard about a “Mozzarella Bar” in NYC, I couldn’t ask for directions fast enough. I wouldn’t saw my family is made up of artisanal cheese experts, but more like really big artisanal cheese fans, willing to learn (and taste) anything to grow our appreciation for the craft. Spending a few hours browsing and getting lost … Continue reading
Category Archives: Local Eats
Williamsburg: Sweet Chick
Brunch time is Brooklyn is where it’s at on the weekends. Wandering through Williamsburg after hitting up the Brooklyn Brewery for an early afternoon tour, my family and I stumbled upon Sweet Chick. A fantastic find, we were as much looking to get out of the pouring rain as we were pumped about finding a … Continue reading
The Brooklyn Hangover Cure
It’s not often that I hit the streets of NYC for a night out consuming alcoholic beverages with good friends. But Halloween was a special occasion this year and getting all dressed up (with no work commitments the following day), I was well prepared to party. Modestly. Waking up the next morning, feeling a little … Continue reading
Alphabet Soup: Buffalo Wings
B is for Buffalo Wings… well Chicken Wings if you’re actually from Buffalo, NY, hometown of the first created chicken wings. Last week I had the pleasure of trying some wings that were a little different from the familiar Buffalo-style. Elmo’s, while a dark dingy dive bar, has some delicious Cajun wings. While the reviews … Continue reading
Buffalo: Marotto’s Clam Bar
Summer calls for the freshest food you can eat and taking advantage of the beautiful weather outdoors (before winter arrives) is a must. Outdoor patios, dinners on the lawn and feasting with a view are the way to go. For us at Rookie Chef, we can’t go long without a stop at a local Clam … Continue reading
Chinatown Food Tour
Being a native from Buffalo (and not NYC), it’s fun to be a tourist every so often in my adopted city. When my family or friends come to visit from out of town, I really enjoy taking a walking tour of a new neighborhood or area that I’ve never been. Not only does it provide … Continue reading
Cobble Hill: OMG Taco
In almost every city, there is a go-to stop when it comes to taco places. In Buffalo, we were fond of Mighty Taco (in terms of a brick and mortar establishment) and Lloyd Taco (for food truck fiends). But in Brooklyn, that place for me has become OMG Taco, a small spot in Cobble Hill … Continue reading
East Village: Veselka
One of the great things about being based in the NYC-area are the ridiculous foodie promotions and happenings that seem to occur weekly. We’re spoiled with variety and places to explore, trying dishes from all over the world on a small little island. Global food at our fingertips, or at least the tips of our … Continue reading
Buffalo: SATO
Modern Japanese cuisine seems to be the theme over here at Rookie Chef. We’re on a Asian-fusion kick that shows no signs of stopping, which has a lot to do with incredible chefs taking creativity to the next level. Our most recent excursion would be a trip home to Buffalo, N.Y. and a random happening … Continue reading
Fort Greene: Kinjo
My sister always said, she could live on Asian-inspired cuisine. I can’t blame her, since I’m lucky enough to live in an incredible area where influences from all over the world are right at my door step. Looking to explore a new taste, we happened upon Kinjo in Fort Greene, Brooklyn. Self-proclaimed a “new Japanese … Continue reading
Coney Island: The Original Nathan’s Famous
Everyone loves a good hot dog. And while NYC maybe be the King of all “hot dog cities,” I just cannot get on board with the boiled ones at street carts. Yes they are good in a pinch and the quickest street-meat snack you might be able to get, but to me a hot dog … Continue reading
Toronto: Trattoria Nervosa
Growing up in Buffalo, my sister and I were lucky enough to visit Canada often when we were younger. With family living just across the border in a suburb of Toronto, we’d come up for birthdays, holidays and other family events. Now, with work sending me all over to travel. I ended up in Yorkville, … Continue reading
Chinatown: Dim Sum Go Go
Just finishing up a work softball league game at East River Park, most athletes would be down for some greasy bar food and beer. Don’t get me wrong, I’m a huge fan of chicken wings. But with the nice weather and adrenaline pumping from running around all morning, we were craving something different. Being so … Continue reading
Boerum Hill: Mile End Deli
Ever find yourself craving something delicious and well-made, but not really looking for the sadness that is most fast food? I give you, the side-window at the Mile End Deli in Boerum Hill, Brooklyn. I’ve walked past this establishment with the yearning desire to grab a seat inside but I’m always in a hurry and … Continue reading
Upper East Side: Fatty Fish
With my sister living abroad in the UK, I’ve become very fond of sending her care packages with all sorts of gifts and goodies from home. The most recent box included some instant miso soup, which she told me turned out to be delicious. That had me thinking, it’s time to explore NYC a little … Continue reading
Park Slope: Dizzy’s Diner
A good breakfast/brunch spot is not hard to find in Brooklyn. It seems walking around the neighborhood on any given weekend, casual dining restaurants are opening early to please a mimosa and omelet crowd. I’m not mad about it. I first came to Dizzy’s Diner when visiting my boyfriend’s brother and sister-in-law, who live in … Continue reading
Downtown Brooklyn: Ganso
When it comes to ramen and noodle bars, I’ve personally never met one I didn’t like. But with Ganso, located in Downtown Brooklyn, it’s becoming a different story. It’s becoming my place. My go-to spot. I have a special connection with this Japanese restaurant — it was the first place I had a meal when … Continue reading
Park Slope: New Year’s Eve at Soigne
My first New Year’s Eve living in Brooklyn, I was beyond excited to celebrate with a low key night: great food and great company. My boyfriend and I had a late dinner reservation at Soigne in Park Slope at 10:30 p.m. to ring in the new year. Soigne (486 6th Avenue at 12th Street in … Continue reading
Downtown Brooklyn: Bijan’s brunch
If there’s one thing that Brooklyn does not have a shortage of it’s places to get a good brunch. Almost every little bistro or unique cafe has a full brunch menu with an array of inviting options to satisfy that midday meal craving. Bijan’s (81 Hoyt St., Brooklyn) Making the dash through the rain, we … Continue reading
Williamsburg: Thai Takeout Paradise
On a recent weekend visiting friends in Brooklyn I stayed in Williamsburg and didn’t have much time for elaborate dinners. That resulted in some epic Thai takeout, which I was surprised to find all over the area. Here is a short look at two spots I tried out for the first time and would definitely … Continue reading