By Sarah Emily Gilbert
Why spend a fortune booking a flight for a vacation when you can retreat in the good ol’ Garden State? New Jersey is home to a surprising number of charming inns and hotels that are full of character and coziness. If you are looking for a quiet, relaxing and more intimate getaway, the following destinations are perfect for you. more
By Sarah Emily Gilbert
You could say the Ho-Ho-Kus Inn and Tavern has withstood the test of time – more specifically, over two centuries worth of time. Constructed in 1796 as a residential home, the beautiful Dutch Colonial became a tavern in 1890, until it underwent a seven-month, $1.5 million renovation in 2009 in order to become the Ho-Ho-Kus Inn and Tavern. On the National Register of Historic Places, it’s become a coveted North Jersey landmark and a highly sought after destination for fine dining and events. Under the direction of Executive Chef Hank Barrett, the Ho-Ho-Kus Inn offers a diverse array of flavorful tavern fare featuring seasonal ingredients. more
By Sarah Emily Gilbert
Vegan chef Stephen McCarty takes eating cake to the next level with his intricately designed edibles made under the name Sukhavati Raw Desserts. Using natural plant and fruit extracts, McCarty hand draws kaleidoscope mandalas on each of his vegan cakes. With flavors like Acai Blueberry Mango Cheesecake and Coconut Lime White Rainbow, McCarty’s cakes taste good, look good, and are good for you – what else could we ask for in a dessert? Below, we give you a “taste” of McCarty’s elaborately decorated cakes from his Instagram (@stephenmccarty). more
By Sarah Emily Gilbert
The leaves have changed to fiery reds and mustard yellows, pumpkin spice lattes are in high demand, and people’s leather boots have made their fall debut. With Halloween just around the corner, New Jerseyians are fully embracing the peak of autumn. That means weekends full of pumpkin picking, hay riding, and wine tasting galore. Lucky for us, our state is abundant in local farms that welcome all those with fall fever. In order to highlight the memories being made at New Jersey farms this fall, Urban Agenda turned to Instagram. more
By Sarah Emily Gilbert
While every kid loves to dress up for Halloween, when it comes down to it, it’s all about the candy – and we’re not talking about Necco Wafers here. Halloween candy has evolved into an overwhelming assortment of vibrantly colored, seasonally flavored, and innovatively shaped treats. We all know the homes that give out the best Halloween candy and those that give out soul-crushing pencils, or scarier yet, apples. So, we enlisted the help of expert trick-or-treaters to ensure your candy stays out of the “no” pile this Halloween. With an average of 7.6 years of trick-or-treating under their belts, these local kids have developed a discerning palate when it comes to Halloween candy. Below, Urban Agenda’s official taste-testers get candid about candy. more
By Sarah Emily Gilbert
Images courtesy of Wondermade
Husband and wife team Nathan and Jenn Clark don’t mess around when it comes to marshmallows – that is unless they’re in the kitchen whipping up a new flavor for their handcrafted ‘mallow company, Wondermade. Over the past four years, the Clark’s artisan marshmallows have gone from a novel Christmas gift idea to a booming business. Their square-shaped puffs of goodness can be found in shops across the United States including Wondermade’s official storefront in the Clark’s hometown of Sanford, Florida. Additionally, Wondermade marshmallows can be ordered and shipped directly from their website both nationally and internationally. Offering everything from Sriracha and Bourbon marshmallows to seasonal flavors like Chai and Apple Spice, Wondermade takes this childhood treat to the next level. more
By Sarah Emily Gilbert
Photo Credit: Mackenzie Stroh
When it comes to good taste, Erin McKenna is an expert. Her bakery - appropriately named Erin McKenna’s Bakery - has gained international recognition for its delicious treats that happen to be gluten free, vegan, and kosher. With brick and mortar locations in NYC, LA, and Orlando, and an online store that ships treats anywhere in the United States, McKenna’s bakery is spreading its goodness across America. Not only is McKenna the authority on healthy treats, but she’s also a connoisseur in beauty products, shoes, and even baby strollers. Find out all of the things this tastemaker cannot live without in her list of 10 favorite things. more
Einat Admony knows Israeli cuisine. After serving as a cook in the Israeli army and exploring Germany as a gypsy after college, Admony moved to NYC where she became an esteemed chef and owner of several Israeli-Mediterranean restaurants. The talent behind Balaboosta and Taim, Admony opened a third retreat for gastronomes called Bar Bolonat. This modern West Village eatery has been heralded as “one of the best new restaurants of 2014" by New York Times critic Pete Wells and has become a favorite among lovers of Mediterranean-Israeli cuisine. more
By Sarah Emily Gilbert
From lattes to ice cream, ‘tis the season for fall flavors – and beer is no exception. While many autumn brews feature the typical seasonal flavors like pumpkin and apple, some incorporate unexpected hints of chocolate, caramel, and even biscuit. Below, Urban Agenda outlines some of the best fall breweries to visit in NY in order to get the true taste of fall. more
At the famed Paris department store Galeries Lafayette, elegant dining is considered a vital part of the shopping experience. At London’s Harvey Nichols store, lunch in the fifth floor restaurant is taken as seriously as shopping for Pradas and Jimmy Choos.
New York emporiums took their time catching up to their European counterparts. But in Barney’s, Bloomingdale’s, Bergdorf-Goodman, and other shopping meccas around the city, dining is now a major draw. Eateries in these stores have turned into destinations in themselves, beckoning not only shoppers in search of sustenance but “outsiders” as well. more
By Sarah Emily Gilbert
Summit, New Jersey is a modern locale steeped in history. Known as one of the most prestigious towns in the country, Summit was first settled around 1710 as a region of small farms. With the 1837 addition of the Morris and Essex railroad line, the town became increasingly commercialized and by the late 1800s, it was considered the premiere weekend resort area for wealthy city-dwellers. Summit, aptly named for its location atop the Second Watching Mountain, quickly became known for its rural charm. Due to its close proximity to New York City, many families built summer estates in the town to enjoy the fresh air and vast natural landscape. more
Location: 155 Avenue B (btw 9th and 10th streets) and the Gansevoort Market at 52 Gansevoort Street
646.256.9773
In the Bay of Biscay on the northern coast of Spain lies the glittering Basque cityof San Sebastian. Modeled after the city’s classic tavernas and named after the tourist mecca, Donostia opened in fall 2013, bringing a slice of Basque country to New York’s East Village. The bar, located at the northeast corner of Tompkins Square Park, specializes in authentic pintxos, the Basque version of tapas, with an emphasis on imported Spanish seafood conservas. Owners Jorge de Yarza and Marissa Miller demonstrate a dedication to the pintxos tradition, with a curated menu spanning 17 categories that offers classic and original expressions of Basque cuisine. more
(Photo by Robin Marchant/Getty Images for NYCWFF)
The Food Network & Cooking Channel New York City Wine & Food Festival has announced its 2015 events to eat, drink, and end hunger. From October 15 – 18, 100% of the net proceeds from more than 100 events taking place throughout NYC will benefit the Food Bank For New York City and No Kid Hungry®. To date, the Festival has raised more than $8.5 million to help fight hunger with the nation’s leading hunger-relief organizations.
The Festival will be held at Piers 92 and 94, with the latter being the epicenter for the event’s tasting compound, where guests can sample food and wine from some of NYC’s best restaurants. Pier 92 will host several signature events that anchor the Festival each evening. Some of the premiere happenings include Giada De Laurentils’ Italian Feast featuring NYC’s best trattorias, a competition for the best mac and cheese dish hosted by Rachael Ray, and a cocktail showdown hosted by Emeril Lagasse. Other Festival staple events include Chicken Coupe hosted by Whoopi Goldberg and the Best Bloody Mary Brunched hosted by the cast of Chopped.
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By Sarah Emily Gilbert
Toloache is a staple in fine Mexican cuisine in New York City. The creation of esteemed chef Julian Medina in 2007, Toloache has since expanded to locations in downtown and midtown Manhattan, as well as its Lower East Side. Originally from Mexico City, Chef Medina brings his native country’s cultural flare to both the restaurants’ food and its décor. The menu features traditional Mexican cuisine like their famous guacamole, slow braised carnitas, and chapulines tacos. Did I mention that “chapulines” translates to “grasshoppers” in Spanish?
Those who get creepy-crawlies at the thought of eating bugs should know that Toloache’s grasshopper tacos are famously delicious. In fact, they’re a common Mexican delicacy that Chef Medina grew up eating as a snack. Served at all three Toloache locations and Medina’s other restaurant Tacuba in Astoria, the grasshopper tacos offer a nutty taste that’s packed with protein. Chef Medina sautés the grasshoppers with jalapenos and onion and then tops his homemade tacos with guacamole and salsa verde. Toloache suggests pairing their chapulines tacos with the Mezcalita de Pina, a smoky pineapple cocktail with mezcal, and their avocado fries with spicy ketchup. So hop your way over to Toloache for a dish that will have you saying, “Ole!” more
Graffiti Food & Wine Bar might be tiny, but its food is packed with an explosion of flavor. Located in the East Village, this eclectic restaurant is just as vibrant as its name suggests. Chef and owner Jehangir Mehta uses his inventive and progressive approach to cooking to draw out the strongest flavors in his international dishes. He combines Asian ingredients with French and American cuisine in order to create unique entrees that often feature fruit and spice. more
“Say arrivederci to your old ice cream maker and ciao to easy ice cream making, as just about anyone can make these tasty favorites. Whether it's fun in the sun, or a night in by the fire, these glorious creations are perfect for any occasion.” – Pavilion Publishing more
By Sarah Emily Gilbert
The beautiful ambiance and classic French cuisine at Le Philosophe makes their restaurant-goers feel like they’re having a romantic evening in Paris. The modern bistro’s delicious seasonal plates with creative twists have placed it among the premiere French restaurants in NYC according to Zagat.com and the Newyorker.com. Complete with a wall filled with photographs of French philosophers, an extensive wine list, and cuisses de grenouilles (better known as frog legs), Le Philosophe provides an immersive French dining experience in the center of Noho. more
By Sarah Emily Gilbert
Babycakes NYC
Website: https://www.erinmckennasbakery.com/new-york-city/
Location: 248 Broome Street
Celebrated vegan baker, Erin Mckenna, owns Babycakes NYC where patrons can indulge in vegan, gluten-free, soy-free, and refined-sugar free cupcakes. Mckenna (who isn’t even vegan herself) substitutes white sugar for agave, rice and coco milk instead of dairy, and coco oil instead of canola. But the one thing that is not substituted for at Babycakes is the incredible taste of its products. Stop by McKenna’s quaint Lower East Side shop to try them out for yourself. more
“M. Wells Steakhouse in Long Island City is located ‘in the middle of nowhere and everywhere’. Until sunset, the restaurant's big airy room basks in sunshine from skylights set over the restaurant. The enclosed terrace has a bar to saddle up to for drinks or something out of the wood oven. In addition to beef cuts of all kinds, their guests enjoy the season's most beautiful fruits and vegetables, the raw bar, their fresh trout and lots of other seafood. more
By Sarah Emily Gilbert
Assouline publishing’s In the Spirit of Napa with text by Jennifer Raiser provides the perfect mental reprieve from this heat wave. The stunning images of the valley’s rolling hills, sprawling vineyards, and impressive estates make you feel as if you’re amidst the dry air of Napa Valley sipping a glass of wine. Better yet, it helps you make your imaginings a reality by providing readers with a trip-planning guide to the region. The book includes surveys of Napa Valley’s local food and wine establishments, while specifying the best places for sightseeing, entertaining, recreation, and more. So, pour yourself a glass of wine and get some inspiration for your next trip to Napa through the stunning images below. more
If you’re looking for a relaxed, comfortable place to have food or drinks with your friends, Oliver Stumm’s Cafe Select is your go-to spot. Designed like an imaginary European train station cafeteria, Café Select combines the best of Stumm’s native Switzerland with New York City in both its food and decor. The casual chic atmosphere attracts young professionals working in nearby agencies who often become Café Select regulars. more
By Sarah Emily Gilbert
Have you ever wondered why your attempts at cooking never look like the pictures in the glossy recipe books? Well, cookbook author, food blogger, and working mother Alana Chernila certainly has. And while Chernila writes books with gorgeous images of food inside, she is the first to admit that her cooking is far from picture perfect. Working at home in a house that she shares with her parents, 17-year-old sister, two young daughters, and husband in the Berkshires, Chernila’s life is a controlled chaos. Clear boundaries have to be set while Chernila is working so that she doesn’t go off to clean the bathroom or do laundry once she’s in her workspace. more
By Sarah Emily Gilbert
The days of white multi-tiered wedding cakes and plastic toppers are over thanks to confectionary connoisseurs like Jennifer Bunce. As head pastry chef and owner of the boutique cake shop, The Hudson Cakery, Bunce is always on her wedding cake A-game, so much so that she’s been featured in the likes of NJ Brides Magazine, The Knot Magazine, and the New York Times. Decorated with remarkable artistry, Bunce’s custom cakes are showstoppers, but they’re also tummy pleasers. more
By Sarah Emily Gilbert
Michael Psilakis went from being a waiter at T.G.I. Fridays to an award-winning chef and owner of three successful restaurants: Kefi, Fishtag, and MP Taverna Brooklyn, Roslyn, Irvington, and Astoria. Impressed? Wait until you taste his food. A proud Greek-American, Chef Psilakis learned the flavors and techniques of classic Greek cuisine from his mother, who was an incredible cook. While Psilakis has since managed to run the kitchen independently – and write a book, cook for President Obama, and appear on several television cooking shows – he still admits to using his mother’s flavors in his dishes. more
By Sarah Emily Gilbert
A city obsessed with transportation and mobility, New York City was destined to have a love affair with food trucks. And over the last five years, that love affair has become an integral part of NYC’s cultural landscape. more
By Sarah Emily Gilbert
When it comes to pairing wine with food, my rules are fairly simple: red wine = pasta, white wine = anything other than pasta. As sophisticated as my process sounds, it’s evident that my knowledge of wine is limited, to say the least. Luckily, there are individuals in the world whose job is to guide people like me. more
By Sarah Emily Gilbert
This week’s “Plate to Date” comes from a rustic American tavern hidden away down a Lower East Side alley called Freemans Restaurant. In its 11th year in New York City, Freemans has gained popularity for its cozy ambience likened to that of a hunter’s cabin or a colonial-era pub. more
By Sarah Emily Gilbert
267 Elizabeth Street, NY, NY 10012
(917) 727-0179
This week’s “Plate to Date” comes from a restaurant brand suffused with authentic Mexican culture and, of course, cuisine. more
By Sarah Emily Gilbert
Amidst the entertainment and dining options galore in NYC’s Greenwich Village, you’ll find the always-delicious Umami Burger. One of its three New York City locations, Umami Burger is named for the fifth flavor we can sense on our taste buds. With incredibly tasty burgers made from the freshest cuts of beef coarsely grinded by hand, Umami certainly lives up to its name. more
