NGAM A native from Thailand, Chef Hong Thaimee was first an international fashion model and TV personality before she decided to pursue her love of Thai cuisine. Trained under the most famous chef in Thailand, she has also worked in some of the most famous Thai restaurants in the city including Spice Market and Kittichai and competed on Iron Chef America. Bringing a modern approach to Thai comfort food she uses traditional Thai flavors with local ingredients and even teaches cooking classes so you can take the flavor of Thailand home. While everything on the menu is outstanding, mouthwatering favorites include the sticky tamarind chili sauce hot wings, Thai taco with pork belly, Tom Klong- a crispy pork belly wrapped shrimp in a tamarind and Thai basil broth, lobster dumplings in soy curry and pickled mustard, the Dark Knight with squid ink noodles, fried calamari and black pepper sauce. and of course the crispy roasted Long Island duck accented with lychees, curry and a Thai basil sauce. As Thailand is known as the “Land of Smiles,” love is in the air at this feel good restaurant with a large lit red Love sign hanging on the exposed brick wall which reminds its patrons that every dish is delicious because it’s made with love. Vetro 164-49 Crossbay Blvd. Howard Beach NY, NY 718.843.8387 www.vetronyc.com
Bleecker Kitchen Comfort food comes to Noho with Bleecker Kitchen & Co. Soho shoppers and NYU students will delight in the regional East Coast American fare spanning from the South to the Northeast that our palettes adore. Low country favorites like fried chicken and waffles with maple syrup, shrimp and grits, root beer braised short ribs are as authentic as what you’d find in the good ol’ South. For dedicated Northeasterners the Maine lobster roll is made the same way as a seafood shack in Kennebunkport and the NY Strip steaks is actually sourced from a NY state farm. The warm ambiance has a retro feel with white tile and exposed brick walls, wooden plank floors, and a mural constructed from a vintage basketball court. Whether it’s a NY State craft beer or a bespoke cocktail, Bleecker Kitchen takes their drinks seriously, which is a refreshing change in a city that sometimes takes itself to seriously. Modern twists on classic drinks like their Manhattan with additions like cynar amaro and cacao as well as the concord mule with vodka, meyer lemon, concord grape, ginger, and thyme make it a perfect spot to experiment with craft cocktails. NGAM 99 Third Ave NY, NY 212.777.8424 www.ngamnyc.com
Vetro Though super storm Sandy did a number on Howard Beach establishments, Vetro’s Restaurant and Lounge is back and better than ever. Situated on the harbor of Howard Beach, this expansive multi level fine Italian restaurant is the sister restaurant to the famous Russo’s on the Bay and is decorated in an ornate Mediterranean style with breathtaking sunset views from its rooftop lounge. Chef Michael DeGeorgio creates classic fine Italian dishes, making it one of the best Italian restaurants outside of Manhattan. Exquisite renditions of old school favorites include clams oreganata, fresh lobster ravioli, shrimp stuffed with crab in a béchamel sauce, pork osso buco that falls off the bone, and veal scallopini with a marasala demi glace. The dishes are only enhanced by wines from their extensive collection that includes rare bottles and limited distribution vineyards. To keep the party going, the heated rooftop lounge features DJs and dancing from Thursdays to Saturdays from 8pm til the wee hours of the night.
Resident April 2014 • 113
DINING
Bleecker Kitchen 643 Broadway NY, NY 212.253.7467 www.bleeckerkitchen.com