OrganiKa

What I Had: Gnocchi Bianchi
What It Cost: $13.95
What Else Was Ordered: Spaghetti Alla Bolognese (13.95) & a nameless salad
Where We Were: West Village

We came to Organika to have a nice outdoor lunch, so I'm assuming by their website's gallery that it's a different scene come dinnertime. Either way, it was peaceful and outdoorsy, just what we were looking for. It was pretty empty but no matter-- our food took exceptionally long to come out and out waiter seemed extremely uninterested. Things that would usually bother the normal person didn't really seem out of place here. The music seemed to be set to the perfect Pandora station and the food was just great. I like to believe it took so long because all of the organic-y goodness of our meals required extra attention and extra time!

PS - I never got a good picture of the front of the restaurant, so the first picture was borrowed from their Facebook page ;)

OrganiKa
89 7th Avenue South
New York, NY 10014
(212) 414 - 1900

Southern Hospitality

What I Had: Smoked Brisket Hash & "Bacon & Eggs"
What It Cost: $11.95 & $8.95
Where We Were: Hell's Kitchen

Dying for some southern food, and this restaurant was just standing there with it's southern name all inviting... so why not?! The actual place is actually super nice. There's wood and great lighting and huge decorations, very friendly. We all actually ordered the same thing from their brunch menu and shared the 3 egg halves that came with the "Bacon & Eggs." If you did the math... 9 bucks for 1.5 eggs seems a little out of line, but I still stand by how amazing they were. And also, that will be the best bacon you've ever eaten. The huge portion make it seem like I barely made a dent in my meal, but I left full and maybe not as southern as I wanted to leave but it came close.

PS - Their butter = perfect

654 9th Avenue (corner of 45th Street)
New York, NY 10036
(212) 265 - 1000
Southern Hospitality

Bouchon Bakery

What I Had: Croque Madame
What It Cost: $17.95
What Else Was Ordered: Tuna Tartine ($13.50)
Where We Were: Columbus Circle - Time Warner Center


There's a selection of nice little restaurants at the Time Warner Center but I'm glad we ate here. We actually came across Bouchon Bakery as a walk up counter where you order all sorts of delicious looking pastries, because (given their name) they are well known for their bakery items. Nonetheless, they do offer table service and have a menu available with French cuisine. I honestly didn't really know what a Croque Madame was but all I know is that it was so, SO good. And the salad that came with it was just as fitting. The Tuna Tartine was the best tuna I've ever had... it actually goes well with the bread they give you. Which by the way, gets paired with the most amazing salty butter.


And also! The view of Columbus Circle is absolutely stunning!


**"Please note we will be closed from Wednesday, August 8 to Tuesday, August 14 in observance of our Summer closure"


10 Columbus Circle - 3rd Floor
New York, NY 10019
(212) 823 - 9366

Croque Madame

Tuna Tartine

Smith's Bar & Restaurant

What I Had: Beef on a Weck with Mashed Potatoes
What It Cost: $11
What Else Was Ordered: 
6 Garlic Parmesan Wings ($4.50)
Just Fries ($7)
Eggplant Artichoke Panini with Caesar Salad ($10)
Reuben on Rye with Onion Rings ($12)
Dessert: Molten Cake ($8)
Where We Were: Hell's Kitchen


I don't know what a "weck" is or why my sandwich was on it, but it was pretty much a french dip... with a LOT of meat. The real winner though is the Eggplant Panini. So get that, always! And the fries were awesome too.


701 8th Avenue
New York, NY 10036
(212) 246 - 3268
Smith's Bar & Restaurant

Wings & Just Fries

 Beef on a Weck

 Eggplant Artichoke Panini 

Reuben on Rye

Molten Cake

Croton Reservoir Tavern

What I Had: Breakfast Pizza & Chocolate Obsession Soufflé Cake
What It Cost: $12 & $7.50
What Else Was Ordered: Steak and Egg Ranchero ($14); Chorizo ($6)
Where We Were: Midtown West

There's nothing more satisfying than having a pizza for brunch right? I got it super plain (just the cheese and meats) so that's partially cheating but who cares, it was so good! And the soufflé cake was even better, although I could've gone without trying that butterfly shaped cookie. The chorizo was pretty spicy and that Ranchero isn't up my alley... but to each his own! There was live music which was ACTUALLY enjoyable, just a talented little man and his guitar... what's not to love?


108 W 40th Street
New York, NY 10018
(212) 997 - 6835
Croton Reservoir Tavern

 Breakfast Pizza

 Steak and Egg Ranchero

Chorizo

Chocolate Obsession Soufflé Cake

Café Duke

What I Had: Eggs, Home Fries, and Toast Platter & French Vanilla Coffee
What It Cost: $3.25 & $1.50
Where I Was: Times Square/Midtown West


I feel like this place is sort of a secret, because who would've thought you'd find a filling breakfast for $5 in this crazy tourist trap?? I've only gone for breakfast and it's been very good, especially the French Vanilla coffee, and ESPECIALLY the price. They have a buffet and a lot of lunch options too which look good, but for now, this is my breakfast haven ;)


1450 Broadway
New York, NY 10018
(212) 345 - 4595
Café Duke

5 Napkin Burger

What We Had: Combo Platter - $15.95
Pork Taquitos - $8.75
5N Cheeseburger - $13.95
5 Napkin Burger - $14.95
Where We Were: Hell's Kitchen


Ordering sushi rolls, little tacos, and burgers may seem like we might've been all over the place, but they went really well together! I have to say though, after the extensive appetizer, only half of the gigantic (but very delicious) burger was eaten. I like 'em plain jane but even then it didn't taste plain. Kind of pricy but a good choice if you feel like eating awesome burgers.


630 9th Avenue
New York, NY 10036
(212) 757 - 2277
5 Napkin Burger

Combo Platter

 Pork Taquitos

 5N Cheeseburger

5 Napkin Burger